What happens at the hearing

You may have to attend a hearing where you (or your legal representative) and the other parties will present your cases to a judge.

The judge will decide:

  • which party wins the case
  • if any costs are payable by one party to another

You’ll usually be told the outcome of the case within 42 days of the hearing.

Preparing for the hearing

You’ll be told the time and date of the hearing and where it’s being held. You’ll usually be told at least 14 days beforehand if there’s going to be a hearing. Hearings can be held sooner than this under exceptional circumstances or if all parties agree to a shorter notice period.

You’ll be sent instructions on how to prepare and exchange evidence after all the parties have given their statements of case.

If you or your witness or representative is outside the UK and wants to give live video or audio evidence, contact the tribunal to request it. Tell the tribunal what country you, the witness or representative is in and what type of evidence is being given. You must do this as soon as possible.

Decisions without hearings

The tribunal may make a decision without a hearing if all the people involved agree or if no one objects once given notice.

The people involved can also ask the tribunal to make a decision without a hearing.

Getting a time extension

You can ask for a time extension at any point in the proceedings.

You should ask all other parties involved to agree to an extension before applying to the tribunal.