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The law, in plain English

A personal loan is a contract even when there is nothing in writing, though messages, bank transfers and witnesses all help prove it. If the borrower will not repay, the County Court's small claims track handles claims up to £10,000 and is designed for people without lawyers, with limited costs risk either way.

How it usually goes

1. Gather the evidence: transfers, messages, anything showing it was a loan rather than a gift.
2. A letter before action gives a clear deadline and often unlocks payment on its own.
3. If not, a small claim is issued online; most cases settle before any hearing.

What it costs