Court claims
A claim form has short deadlines, so act now, but act calmly. Respond correctly and on time and you keep every option open. We help you do exactly that.
Start my case£179 including VAT. Court deadlines are short and strict.
14 days to acknowledge
28 days to defend
Default judgments can be set aside
Letter Before Claim
A warning, under the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims, that court action may follow, not a court claim itself. It gives you 30 days to reply, before which proceedings can't lawfully be issued.
N1 claim form
The real thing, a court document issued by HM Courts & Tribunals Service, meaning proceedings have actually started against you, complete with a claim number and a response pack.
The 14-day rule
Once served, you have 14 days to file an acknowledgment of service or a defence. Acknowledging on time extends your defence deadline to 28 days, doing nothing leaves you exposed after day 14.
If you don't respond to a properly served claim form by the deadline, the claimant can ask the court to enter judgment "in default", without a hearing and without your side being heard. A default CCJ is recorded against you for six years and damages your credit file the moment it's entered. It's an outcome that's entirely avoidable simply by acting in time.
Deadlines that matter
Missing the 14-day deadline is the single biggest cause of avoidable default judgments. Get help today.
Failing to name the driver
Under Section 172 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, a keeper who fails to identify the driver when properly asked commits a genuine criminal offence, separate from the original camera notice.
Tried at the Magistrates' Court
Unlike a civil parking or debt claim, an S172 prosecution is heard at your local Magistrates' Court. A conviction carries up to 6 penalty points and a fine, or in serious cases a driving ban.
SORN enforcement
Keeping a vehicle off-road without a valid Statutory Off Road Notification, while untaxed, can bring an Out of Court Settlement or prosecution, under separate DVLA powers to any debt or parking dispute.
What happens if I don't respond to a County Court claim?
If a claim form has been properly served and you don't acknowledge it or file a defence within 14 days, the claimant can apply for a default judgment (CCJ) without a hearing. This is recorded against you for six years and can lead to enforcement action such as a warrant of control or attachment of earnings.
Can I get a CCJ set aside?
Yes, in the right circumstances. You apply using form N244, and the court will consider it if the claim wasn't properly served, you have a genuine defence with real prospects of success, or there's a good reason you didn't respond in time. Acting quickly improves your chances.
Do I have to attend court in person?
Not usually at first, most small claims and debt matters are dealt with on paper, or by phone or video if disputed. Magistrates' Court matters, such as an S172 prosecution, more often require an actual appearance.
Is a "Letter Before Claim" the same as being sued?
No. It's a formal warning sent before proceedings begin, giving you a chance to pay, dispute, or negotiate under the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims. You're only actually being sued once a claim form with a court claim number has been issued and served, that's when the strict deadlines start.
Court deadlines are strict but manageable with the right help, for a fixed £179 including VAT, agreed before we start.
Start my case