Form N180: Directions questionnaire (Small Claims Track)
Form N180 is the directions questionnaire for the small claims track. The court sends it to claimants and defendants who are not legally represented, and your answers help the judge give directions for how the case will proceed.
This is the genuine HM Courts & Tribunals Service PDF, unmodified. Source: HM Courts & Tribunals Service official page.
What is N180?
When a claim is defended, the court sends a notice of proposed allocation with a directions questionnaire. The N180 is the version used for small claims. It asks whether you agree to the free small claims mediation service, whether you have applied for help with fees, which county court hearing centre suits you, whether you need an interpreter or other adjustment, how many witnesses you will call, and whether you want to rely on expert evidence.
The judge uses the completed questionnaires from both sides to give directions: what documents to exchange, by when, and when and where the hearing will take place. Not returning the form by the date on the notice can lead to your claim or defence being struck out, so the deadline matters.
Who files N180?
- Claimants whose money claim has been defended and allocated towards the small claims track
- Defendants who have filed a defence to a small claim
- Litigants in person, who receive the N180 directly from the court
- Anyone deciding whether to accept free small claims mediation before a hearing is listed
How to fill out N180
- Read the notice of proposed allocation the court sent with the form and note the return date on it.
- Answer the mediation question honestly. Small claims mediation is free and settling at that stage avoids a hearing.
- Give your preferred hearing centre and say if you need an interpreter, step-free access or any other adjustment.
- List your witnesses, say how long you think the hearing needs, and flag any expert evidence you want to rely on, remembering that expert evidence needs the court’s permission.
- Return the signed form to the court office named on the notice by the date given, and send a copy to the other party.
Quick fill N180 on this page
Prefer to see the form itself while you type? Open N180 in the editor to fill it on the actual pages, add a signature, and download.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I miss the deadline?
The court can strike out your claim or defence, or make an order you did not want. If the date has passed, file the form as soon as you can and explain the delay in writing.
Is small claims mediation compulsory?
The N180 asks whether you agree to it. Mediation is free for small claims and both sides have to agree for it to go ahead. Refusing without a good reason can be taken into account later on costs.
Can I ask for a hearing near me?
You can name your preferred county court hearing centre on the form. Where the defendant is an individual, the claim is usually transferred to the court for their home address.