The online claims service for small claims is a useful tool, writes David Lawrenson .

If a tenant owes you money, the online claims service can save you time and the hassle of having to go to court to fill in papers.

The Courts Service in England and Wales has an internet version of the small claims service called Money Claims Online.

This web-based service which has been running for 4 years now, allows county court claims to be issued for fixed sums up to £100,000 by individuals and organisations over the internet.

Think of the UK courts and you automatically think of a rather stuffy, boring atmosphere full of mainly men with silly wigs and arcane practices. But the online service is actually quite pioneering and other governments around the world are taking an interest and looking to set up their own versions.