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What to do if…
you receive a civil claim notice and the deadline to respond is only days away

Short answer

Today, protect yourself from default judgment by filing the correct formal response (often an Acknowledgment of Service if you intend to defend) before the deadline shown/required.

Do not do these things

  • Don’t ignore it because you’re “not ready” — the court can enter judgment if you do nothing.
  • Don’t assume negotiating with the claimant “pauses the clock” unless you have a clear written agreement and (where required) the court is notified.
  • Don’t miss the deadline trying to write the “perfect” defence — an on-time, basic step is safer than a late, polished one.
  • Don’t send originals of key documents without keeping complete copies (scan/photos).
  • Don’t pay or admit liability in a panic if you genuinely dispute the claim (admissions can be hard to undo).

What to do now

  1. Confirm what this is (and whether it’s online) in 5 minutes.
    Look for a Claim Form (often N1), Particulars of Claim, and a response pack (N9 forms). If it’s through an online service (e.g., MCOL / Civil Money Claims), log in using the details provided.

  2. Record the deadline from the safest “official” place available.

    • If you have an online claim portal, find the response deadline shown there and screenshot/write it down.
    • If it’s by post, note the issue date and any stated response timeframe. If anything is unclear, assume the earlier deadline and move to step 3.

  3. If you want to defend (even partly), file an Acknowledgment of Service immediately.
    In many County Court money claims, this is the fastest “buy time” step: you typically have 14 days from service to respond, and filing an Acknowledgment of Service usually extends the time for the defence to 28 days from service. If the particulars of claim were served separately, treat the earliest plausible deadline as controlling unless the court/portal confirms otherwise.

  4. If you agree you owe all or part, use the correct reply route — don’t just write a letter.
    Use the forms/online options provided (for example, admitting the claim and proposing repayment, or admitting part and disputing part). Make sure you submit it to the place the papers/portal specify.

  5. If you need more time beyond an Acknowledgment, request a written extension right away.
    In many cases, the claimant can agree in writing to extend the defence deadline by up to 28 days, and you must notify the court in writing. Keep your request short: “I’m obtaining advice and request an extension of time for filing a defence. Please confirm in writing.”

  6. Check whether the claimant is about to seek default judgment — then act first, talk second.
    If you’ve not filed anything yet and the deadline is imminent, submit the Acknowledgment/response first. A quick phone call to the court is fine for procedure (e.g., “Has anything been recorded?”), but don’t delay filing.

  7. Create a one-page “facts + documents” pack tonight.
    Put together: claim form, particulars, any contract/invoices, payment proof, key emails/texts, and a simple timeline (5–10 bullets). This makes urgent help faster and reduces mistakes.

  8. Get urgent, case-specific help — but don’t wait for it to file the Acknowledgment/response.
    If it’s a money/debt claim, debt advice services can help with court claim responses. If you can’t reach anyone today, still file on time and keep trying tomorrow.

What can wait

  • You do not need a detailed witness statement or every piece of evidence tonight.
  • You do not need to decide your final position before filing an Acknowledgment of Service.
  • You do not need to negotiate settlement today if it risks missing the deadline.

Important reassurance

This feels overwhelming because the paperwork is formal and the timeline is short. The stabilising move is simple: file a valid response on time, so the case can’t move forward without you.

Scope note

This is first steps only for the next 24–72 hours. Court procedure varies by claim type and how documents were served. After you stabilise the deadline, you may need tailored legal advice.

Important note

This is general information, not legal advice. Deadlines and required forms can be strict. If anything is unclear or conflicts, follow the claim form/online portal instructions and seek urgent advice.

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