Defending a claim

• What are the defendant's options when they have recieved the claim form?


  Defendant's options: Acknowledge, defend, or counterclaim.
• What happens if the defendant admits/acknowledges the claim?


  The defendant must complete the admission form, thus ending the case.
• What happens if the defendant disputes/defends the claim?

  The defendant must respond with an acknowledgement of service order (N9) or a defence to the court within 14 days.
• What happens if the defendant sends an acknowledgement of service (N9)?

  They have an extra 14 days
• What happens if the defendant does not respond to the claim?

  The claimant can request the court to make an order in default, this requires the defendant to pay the money and costs that the claimant paid for.