First of all you need to establish whether you have the case in law. See How do you research the law. Just because a case is sound in law, doesn’t mean it is worth pursuing. Luca Badioli, a debt adviser at Arun & Chichester Citizens Advice Bureau and chair of West Sussex Money Advice Group, advises prospective litigants-in-person to ask four questions before embarking on action: ‘Do I have a good chance of winning? If I win, can the other party pay? Is this worth my time and money? Have I done everything to try to avoid proceedings?’
If it is a money claim, check the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines and insolvency register to see if the other party can pay; if they a limited company, look at their accounts at Companies House.