How long do I have to bring a claim?
- 31.07.2026
A client owes my small business a sizeable sum for work I completed months ago. They keep promising to pay but never do. I would like to know where I should take a claim, how much it is likely to cost and whether I really need a lawyer to do it.
The right forum depends mainly on the amount. Claims of up to 30,000 dollars can be brought in the Disputes Tribunal, which is informal, inexpensive and usually does not involve lawyers. Claims above that, up to 350,000 dollars, go to the District Court, and larger claims to the High Court, both of which have more formal procedures and higher costs. Before filing, send a clear letter of demand giving the client a deadline, since courts expect you to have tried to resolve the matter. Keep your contract, invoices, emails and evidence of the work done. You can act for yourself in the Disputes Tribunal, but for larger claims a lawyer is usually worthwhile. If the client is a company, check its status on the Companies Office register.
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