Supplementary witness statements (Bristol Civil and Family Justice Centre)

A supplementary witness statement adds evidence to a statement already served - new facts, a reply to points raised by the other side, or documents that surfaced late. In small claims at Bristol Civil and Family Justice Centre the court's permission is the gate, and timing decides whether you get it.

When you need one

If the other side's witness statement raises something your original statement does not answer, a short supplementary statement can respond - but ask the court's permission first (a letter or application notice explaining what is new and why it matters). Content that simply repeats or re-argues your original case will be refused; genuine new evidence will usually be allowed.

How to write it

Reference the original statement ('I refer to paragraph 6 of my statement dated...'), state only what is new, and exhibit the new documents. Keep it short - a supplementary statement that is a second bite at the same argument damages credibility. Serve it on the other party at the same time as filing, and expect the judge to ask why it was not in the original.

Checklist

• Court permission requested before serving
• Only genuinely new evidence included
• Original statement referenced, not repeated
• Served on all parties simultaneously

Official sources and related pages

• Witness statement formatting
• Late evidence and relief

Court details (verified register data)

• Court: Bristol Civil and Family Justice Centre
• Court code: 151
• Address: 2 Redcliff Street, Bristol, Bristol, BS1 6GR
• Phone: 0300 123 5577; 0330 808 4424 (C5); 0300 303 0642 (divorce); 0117 366 4830 (COP)
• Civil filing email: [email protected]
• DX: DX 95903 Bristol 3
• Public counter hours: Thursday)
• Document drop-box: Not published in the register - confirm with the court directly
• Hearing format: Not published in the register - confirm with the court directly
• Facilities: disabled access, hearing loop, children's room, Sunflower lanyards, parking

Source: https://www.find-court-tribunal.service.gov.uk/courts/bristol-civil-and-family-justice-centre. Verified 2026-09-04. Always confirm against the official court finder before travelling.

Free national support

• Support Through Court: 0300 081 0000 - free, independent support for litigants without a lawyer
• Citizens Advice consumer service: 0808 223 1133 - consumer disputes, pre-claim guidance
• HMCTS general enquiries: 0300 123 7050 - finding the right court or money claim centre

This page is general information about County Court procedure, not legal advice, and it is not provided by HMCTS or any court. Procedures and fees change - always confirm against the official sources linked here before you act.

>Small Claims Court Help is an independent information directory. It is not affiliated with HMCTS, the Ministry of Justice, or any court.

Reviewed by Sean McNamara, 2026-09-04.