This guide is informational. Always verify how the rules apply to your specific case.
Brief Answer: A statement of claim in civil cases is the document you submit to the district court when you want a civil law issue to be adjudicated—such as damages, payment, or breach of contract. It should include the claim, grounds, and the evidence you rely on. Thereafter, the opposing party can respond, and the court prepares the case—often with the question of settlement.
The guide is part of the legal process. See also the trial hub and settlement.
Before You File
Filing a claim is the right tool when you want a civil law decision between parties. It is not the same as appealing an administrative decision or having someone prosecuted.
Do three things first:
- Formulate the claim. What do you want the district court to decide—amount, action, determination?
- Gather evidence. Contracts, emails, receipts, photos, timeline, witnesses.
- Assess the risk. Application fee and the risk of paying the opposing party's legal costs if you lose.
If prosecution has not been initiated in a related criminal case, civil damages may still be possible. See when public prosecution is not initiated.
What the Statement of Claim Should Contain
- Parties: your and the opposing party's names and contact details
- Claim: what you want the court to decide
- Grounds: the circumstances supporting the claim
- Evidence: what evidence you rely on and what it should demonstrate
- Possible claim for legal costs
Write concretely. A long narrative without a clear claim makes the case harder to manage—and harder to win.
What Happens After Submission?
- The district court receives and checks formalities. You pay the application fee.
- The opposing party receives the claim and must submit a response: admits, contests, or requests dismissal.
- Preparation—exchange of written submissions and often oral preparation where the court clarifies the dispute.
- Settlement or continued process. The court often asks if you can settle. See settlement.
- Main hearing and judgment if you do not settle.
Costs and Practical Risks
- Application fee is paid when you submit the statement of claim. The amount depends on the subject of the dispute.
- Legal costs: the losing party often has to pay the opposing party's costs in civil cases.
- Time: from filing to judgment can take months. Settlement can shorten the process.
A weak claim can be more expensive than standing still. Assess the evidence situation honestly before proceeding.
Checklist
- Is this a civil case—not an administrative or criminal case?
- Do you have a clear claim in monetary terms or a specific action?
- Do you have attachments that support each important point?
- Have you calculated the fee and cost downside?
- Have you considered settlement before or during the process?
FAQ
What is a statement of claim?
The document that initiates a civil case in the district court.
Do I need a lawyer?
Not always, but for larger amounts, complex evidence, or high cost risk, legal assistance is often wise.
Can I file a claim even if prosecution has not been initiated?
Sometimes yes, if you have a civil law basis—such as damages. It is a different track than the criminal case.
What happens if the opposing party does not respond?
The court can in some cases issue a default judgment. The rules depend on the case—read the court's notice carefully.