Form N1: Claim form (CPR Part 7), make a claim against a person or organisation
Form N1 is the claim form that starts most civil court proceedings in England and Wales under Part 7 of the Civil Procedure Rules. You use it to bring a claim against a person or organisation to settle a dispute.
This is the genuine HM Courts & Tribunals Service PDF, unmodified. Source: HM Courts & Tribunals Service official page.
What is N1?
The N1 sets out who is suing whom and why. It names the claimant and the defendant with their addresses for service, gives brief details of the claim, states the value or the remedy you are asking the court for, and ends with a statement of truth. In money claims it also carries the court fee and any solicitor’s costs claimed.
The form comes with a family of guidance notes: N1A for claimants, N1C for defendants, N1D where the defendant is outside the jurisdiction, and N1(FD) for Consumer Credit Act claims. Once the court issues your claim it is served on the defendant, who then has a set period to admit it, defend it or file an acknowledgment of service.
Who files N1?
- Individuals bringing a civil claim for money, goods or a remedy against another person
- Businesses recovering unpaid invoices or pursuing a contractual dispute
- Landlords, tradespeople and consumers whose dispute cannot be resolved without court proceedings
- Solicitors issuing Part 7 proceedings on a client’s behalf
How to fill out N1
- Try to settle first. Follow the relevant pre-action protocol and send a letter before claim, because the court expects you to have tried to resolve the dispute.
- Complete the claimant and defendant details exactly, including full names and an address for service in England and Wales.
- Write the brief details and particulars of claim, then state the amount claimed or the remedy sought, and work out the issue fee.
- Sign the statement of truth. A claim form without it can be struck out.
- File the claim at the County Court, with the fee, keeping a copy for yourself. For money claims up to £25,000 gov.uk recommends the online money claims service instead, which is usually faster.
Quick fill N1 on this page
Prefer to see the form itself while you type? Open N1 in the editor to fill it on the actual pages, add a signature, and download.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to issue an N1?
The issue fee depends on the value of your claim, and civil court fees change. Check the current civil and family court fees on gov.uk, and look at the help with fees scheme if you are on a low income or certain benefits.
Should I use the paper N1 or claim online?
For a money claim up to £25,000, gov.uk points you to the online money claims service, which is generally quicker and cheaper. The paper N1 is for larger claims, non-money claims and situations the online service does not cover.
What happens after the claim is issued?
The court serves the claim on the defendant, who can admit it, defend it or file an acknowledgment of service. If it is defended, the case is allocated to a track and both sides are usually sent a directions questionnaire.