What to do if…
you receive a court claim or summons about an unpaid debt unexpectedly

What to do now

1. Get the key details onto one page. Photograph/scan everything, keep the envelope, and note:

   • the deadline to respond (and any hearing date)
   • the court/office name on the form (and any case/claim number)
   • who the claimant is (and any solicitor/debt collector)
   • what the debt is said to be for, and the amount breakdown

2. Identify which part of the UK this claim is under (this changes the process).

   • England & Wales: often “County Court”, “Civil National Business Centre”, “County Court Business Centre”, or an online money-claim reference.
   • Scotland: often “Simple Procedure” and the Sheriff Court.
   • Northern Ireland: often County Court small claims paperwork (NI) and NI court services. If you’re not sure, treat it as real and move to step 3 while you confirm.

3. Verify it’s genuine via official routes (not details printed on suspicious papers).

   • Use the official online response route if your papers provide a recognised online claim reference/access code.
   • Otherwise, confirm the case exists by contacting the court office using official court-finder contact details you locate yourself.

4. Protect the deadline first (even if you’re still confused).

   • England & Wales money claims: you typically have a short window to respond, and you may be able to extend the time to file a full defence by filing an acknowledgment of service (this is time-critical—follow the instructions on your form).
   • Scotland / Northern Ireland: the papers usually give a clear “respond by” date (or a “last date for a response”). Follow that date. Your goal today is simple: a valid response step, on time.

5. Pick the safest “position” for now (you can refine it with advice).

   • It’s yours and correct and you can pay: pay using a secure, traceable method listed by the official claim process.
   • It might be yours but the amount is wrong / you need time: respond without guessing—offer only what you can afford and avoid admitting anything you’re unsure about.
   • You don’t recognise it or dispute it: respond indicating you dispute the claim (in whole or part) and that you need the claimant to prove it.

6. If it’s unexpected or not yours, ask for proof in writing. Ask the claimant (or their solicitor) for the documents they rely on, such as:

   • the account/reference and a statement or transaction history showing the balance
   • a breakdown of interest/charges/fees being added
   • if a debt purchaser is suing: evidence the debt was transferred/assigned to them Keep your message short and factual. Don’t argue on the phone.

7. If it went to an old address or arrived late, still act now. Late delivery can still lead to deadlines. Note the date you received it and keep the envelope. Get advice about the best way to explain late service—but don’t miss the next deadline while you do that.

8. Get fast, free help and ask about pause/protection options if relevant.

   • Contact a reputable free debt adviser or Citizens Advice and tell them your court deadline date.
   • If you live in England or Wales and you’re overwhelmed, ask a debt adviser whether Breathing Space (Debt Respite Scheme) might apply—do not rely on this unless a debt adviser confirms it has been set up and the court has been notified.