Step-by-step
Download or obtain form N1
Get the form from gov.uk, your local county court, or use Money Claim Online for claims up to £10,000. The paper form is free.
Complete the claimant details
Enter your full name (as it appears on official documents) and address. If you are a business, use the registered company name and address.
Enter defendant details
Provide the defendant's full name and address. For businesses, check Companies House for the registered office. Getting this wrong can cause significant problems.
Write your particulars of claim
This is the most important section. Briefly and clearly state: what happened, when it happened, what they should have done, and what you are owed. Stick to facts.
Calculate and enter the amount
Enter the amount you are claiming. Break this down into: the principal amount, any interest, and court fees. Show your calculations clearly.
Sign and date the form
The statement of truth must be signed. This is a legal declaration that the facts stated are true. Making false statements is contempt of court.
Understanding Form N1
Form N1 is the standard claim form used to start civil proceedings in the county court in England and Wales. It is used for:
- Money claims of any value
- Claims for goods or property
- Claims requiring the defendant to do something (or stop doing something)
For claims up to £10,000, you can use Money Claim Online instead, which is simpler and slightly cheaper. However, form N1 gives you more space to explain your claim and is necessary for some types of cases.
Writing Your Particulars of Claim
The particulars of claim is where you explain your case. Keep it clear and factual:
Structure your claim:
- Who the parties are and their relationship
- What agreement or duty existed
- What the defendant did wrong (or failed to do)
- When this happened
- What loss or damage you suffered
- What you are claiming
Tips:
- Use numbered paragraphs
- State facts, not opinions
- Include relevant dates
- Refer to key documents
- Keep it concise - you can attach a separate document if needed
Example opening:
"1. The Claimant engaged the Defendant to provide building services at [address] pursuant to a written contract dated [date].
- The Defendant agreed to complete the work by [date] for the sum of £[amount].
- The Defendant failed to complete the work as agreed..."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Wrong defendant name: Check the exact legal name, especially for companies. "John's Plumbing" might actually be "John Smith trading as John's Plumbing" or "John's Plumbing Ltd".
Wrong address: Use the defendant's correct address. For limited companies, use the registered office from Companies House.
Vague particulars: "They owe me money" is not enough. Explain how the debt arose and why they are liable.
Missing interest: If you are entitled to interest, claim it. Show how you calculated it.
Forgetting the statement of truth: Your claim will be rejected if you do not sign the statement of truth.
Arithmetic errors: Double-check all calculations. Errors undermine your credibility.
What Happens After You Submit
Once you submit your form and pay the court fee:
- The court issues your claim - You receive a claim number and sealed copies
- The defendant is served - They receive the claim form, usually by post
- The defendant has 14 days to respond (or 28 if they acknowledge service)
- Possible outcomes:
- They pay in full - case closed
- They admit the claim - you may get judgment
- They defend - case proceeds to allocation
- No response - you can apply for default judgment
Keep all documents safe. You will need them throughout the case.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I send form N1?
Send your completed N1 form to the County Court Money Claims Centre (CCMCC) at: County Court Money Claims Centre, PO Box 527, Salford, M5 0BY. For claims over £100,000 or specialist claims, you may need to issue in a different court.
Can I attach documents to my N1 form?
Yes, you can attach documents such as contracts, invoices, and correspondence. However, only attach essential documents at this stage. You do not need to include all your evidence - that comes later. If your particulars of claim are too long for the form, you can continue on a separate sheet.
What if I make a mistake on the form?
Minor errors can often be corrected. If you notice a mistake after submission, contact the court immediately. For significant errors (like the wrong defendant), you may need to amend the claim formally, which may require the court's permission and could incur additional fees.
How long is form N1 valid for?
Once issued, the claim form must be served on the defendant within 4 months (or 6 months if serving outside England and Wales). If not served in time, you may need to apply to extend the time or issue a fresh claim.
Can I claim for more than one thing on the same form?
Yes, you can include multiple claims against the same defendant on one form, provided they arise from related circumstances. However, each distinct claim should be clearly set out in the particulars. Complex or unrelated matters might be better as separate claims.
This guide provides general information about UK small claims court procedures and is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. CourtPilot is not a law firm and is not regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. The law may have changed since this guide was last updated. For advice specific to your situation, please consult a qualified solicitor or seek help from Citizens Advice.