What happens once I start my claim?

1. You Submit Your Claim

• You file a claim online via the Money Claim Online service or fill out a paper form (N1 claim form) and send it to the court.

• You’ll need to pay a court fee depending on the amount you’re claiming.

2. Court Sends the Claim to the Defendant

• The court sends a copy of the claim form to the defendant (the person or business you are making the claim against).

• The defendant is officially notified and must respond within a set time frame (usually 14 days).

3. Defendant Responds

• The defendant has options:

  • Pay the claim (accept it).

  • Dispute the claim by filing a defense.

  • Request more time to respond.

  • Counterclaim (claiming money back from you).

4. If the Defendant Doesn’t Respond

• You can ask the court for a default judgment in your favor because the defendant didn’t respond.

5. If the Defendant Disputes

• The case can proceed to a court hearing or alternative dispute resolution.

• The court might try to encourage settlement through mediation.

• If no settlement is reached, the court schedules a hearing where both parties present evidence and arguments.

6. Judgment

• The court makes a decision and issues a judgment.

• If you win, the court orders the defendant to pay the amount claimed (plus possibly costs and interest).

7. Enforcement

• If the defendant doesn’t pay voluntarily, you may need to take enforcement action (e.g., bailiffs, attachment of earnings).