Sueing Companies Abroard

[Tracy-ely]

I currently use MCOL to take UK companies to court for debts due. However there may potentially be 2 customers (one if France and one in the USA), who owe money to a client.

Is there a small claims court in France and in the States? Would rather do this myself rather then get solicitors etc involved.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[Buenchico]

Up to €4,000 you need the juge de proximité in France. Above that, and up to €10,000 you need the tribunal d'instance. (Above that it's the tribunal de grande instance):
http://vosdroits.service-public.fr/particuliers/N269.xhtml

Wikipedia says that most US states have small claims courts but, without knowing which state the debtor is in, I can't provide you with any link other than this one:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_claims_court#Small-claims_courts_in_the_United_States

Chris

[tonywiltshire]

You seem capable and knowledgeable if you have used MCOL to date.
The first thing to check if you are considering action against a French and American company is have you agreed with these companies in which Jurisdiction action should take place or is there anything in your Terms and conditions or their T & C which have been accepted and dictate this. You do not mention if you supplied goods or the amounts involved, I would seek professional guidance on this matter.

[Eve]

Generally speaking (as we don't know the circumstances), you can submit a money claim against a company out of jurisdiction (England and Wales) although you would need to submit a form N510 (you can get a copy here) with the claim form and may need advice on if this process is appropriate, filling in the forms, fulfilling service requirements, timescales allowed, requirements for obtaining Judgment if this arises, enforcement etc... to ensure compliance with the CPR and knowing when you can do what and what you need to do by when.