The county courts are civil courts. The type of cases heard include compensation for accidents; arguments about breaking contracts; complaints about faulty goods and services; and disputes about debt when someone cannot repay the lender. The county courts also deal with housing disputes and repossessions. Generally the county courts can deal with all claims where the case involves money. However claims for very substantial sums or of exceptional complexity may instead be started in or transferred to the High Court.

The small claims court is part of the county court system and tends to deal with claims of £5,000 or below.