Dispute Resolution analysis: HM Courts & Tribunal Service (HMCTS) has published contact details for using the online claims services: the Damages claims pilot under CPR PD 51ZB (DCP) and the Online money claims pilot under CPR PD 51R (OCMC). The details also include examples of specific scenarios which might arise when starting and managing online claims using these services. Users of the services are asked to use only the relevant email addresses for queries.

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has published new guidance for IT professionals who support access to the Cloud Video Platform (CVP) from a corporate network. The guidance includes HMCTS' firewall rules and information on cameras and microphones, real-time media, browsers and IP addresses.

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has published a form which must be completed when making an application out of hours in the Court of Appeal (Civil Division).

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has published comprehensive guidance for legal professionals on using the MyHMCTS platform to manage money claims up to £25,000 using the Online Civil Money Claims Pilot (OCMC) under CPR PD 51R. Released on 15 September 2025, the guidance outlines procedures for defending, admitting, and managing online money claims via the digital service. It details technical processes, including the submission of extension of time applications, document uploads, trial bundle management and mediation arrangements.

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has published guidance on applications to reclaim money held by the High Court, Chancery Division. The guidance, published on 18 December 2025, concerns the following three scenarios: (i) surplus funds from property repossession where entitled parties cannot be located; (ii) trust money paid into court by trustees unable to locate beneficiaries; and (iii) funds relating to dissentient shareholders in company takeovers. Applicants must complete Form N244 (application notice) and Form CH60 (evidence of identity and declaration) as well as paying a non-refundable fee (currently £61). Before applying, applicants must check the unclaimed court money service and may need to ask the Court Funds Office to conduct a search for the amount held. Solicitors and trust research/beneficiary tracing firms must file via HMCTS E-Filing, while litigants in person may use either online filing or postal submission to the Chancery Division Miscellaneous Payments Team.

HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has published guidance on making an application, both sole and joint, for a final order in divorce proceedings over one year from when the conditional older was made. The applicant will need to complete the reason for the delay in applying for the final order followed by their name and the firm name as the statement of truth. The history screen will then show that final order has been applied for, stating ‘awaiting general consideration’ as the system automatically refers the case to a judge for consideration.

HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has published guidance on how to withdraw a Will or codicil that is stored with them. Anyone wishing to do this will have to complete form PA7A. HCMTS has also updated its guidance on storing a Will with them to reflect the new requirement to use the new PA7ENV label when posting a Will to them.

The HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has published the summary of the discussions from the Strategic Public Engagement Group (SPEG) meeting. The meeting focused on key developments within HMCTS, including the overarching evaluation of its reform programme. The Ministry of Justice outlined a theory-based impact evaluation approach to assess whether reforms have improved access to justice, using management information, evidence reviews and project-level studies. The final report is expected in Spring 2027. Additionally, Autism Alliance UK led a discussion on neurodivergence, advocating for a strengths-based approach to service design and improved support mechanisms for neurodivergent users, such as simplified communications and pre-hearing familiarisation visits.

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has updated its MyHMCTS guidance for legal professionals on issuing damages claims online. The revised guidance restructures the claims process into a step-by-step workflow covering claim creation, claimant and defendant details, claim information, issue of proceedings, payment of court fees and support arrangements. It also includes guidance on selecting the appropriate court, references the relevant Civil Procedure Rules practice directions governing the damages claims pilot and the commencement of county court proceedings, and explains additional functionality for managing online claims.

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has published updated guidance on completing case administration tasks in MyHMCTS, introducing changes to the sharing, assignment and management of cases within its online court services. The update is relevant to users of digital court portals, including the Damages Claims Portal under CPR PD 51ZB and the Online Civil Money Claims Pilot under CPR PD 51R.

HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has published updated guidance notes for Form EX107, the form used to request a transcript of court or tribunal proceedings.

The HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) has published an updated guide to the Intellectual Property Enterprise Court (IPEC) small claims track. The guide explains the procedures and criteria for bringing intellectual property claims worth £10,000 or less. It includes new details on steps to take before issuing a claim, serving documents, using experts, preparing evidence and bundles, and attending hearings or appeals. A new appendix provides evidence checklists for different types of IP claims. This guide focuses on the small claims track and a separate guide is available for the IPEC multi-track. The IPEC is part of the High Court and operates as a specialist list within the Chancery Division of the Business and Property Courts of England and Wales.