What happens if I'm taken to court for debt?
The "Blue Form" N1 Claim Pack
Receiving court papers (usually a blue or white pack of forms) is intimidating. It means a creditor has formally applied to the County Court to force you to pay.
Crucial First Steps:
- ACKNOWLEDGE SERVICE: You must log in to MoneyClaimOnline (MCOL) within 14 days to acknowledge the claim. This buys you an extra 14 days (28 total) to prepare a defense or offer.
- DO NOT IGNORE IT: If you do nothing, the court will issue a "Default Judgment" (CCJ) against you for the full amount plus costs, immediately.
- CHECK THE DEBT: Is it actually yours? Is it Statute Barred?
Related Situations: If you have already received a judgment, see what happens if I get a CCJ. To understand how debt is collected after court, read our bailiffs guide.
Use the Navigator tool below to decide whether to Admit (N9A) or Defend (N9B) the claim.
1 The Typical Timeline
If you take no action, this is the standard statutory process. Timescales are approximate but typical for 2026.
Letter Before Claim
You receive a formal letter giving you 30 days to pay or reply. You MUST reply to this to prevent court action.
Claim Issued (N1 Form)
The court sends you the claim pack. You have 14 days to acknowledge it online.
The Defense Deadline
By day 28 (if acknowledged), you must file your Defense or your Admission offer.
Mediation / DQ
If you defend, you'll be offered mediation. If that fails, you fill in a Directions Questionnaire (DQ) to choose your local court.
The Hearing
A judge looks at the evidence. In Small Claims, this is informal—often just you, the judge, and their solicitor in a small room.
2 Free Calculators & Checks
Confused by the forms? Answer 2 questions to find out if you should Admit (N9A) or Defend (N9B).
Which Form Do I Fill In?
The "Blue Form" pack is confusing. Find out exactly what to file.
Do you owe the money claimed?
Defending? You need a Witness Statement. Use our template to get the format right.
Witness Statement Builder
Generate a correctly formatted statement for Small Claims.
IN THE COUNTY COURT at [Court Name] Claim No: [Claim Number] BETWEEN: [Claimant Name] (Claimant) - and - [Your Name] (Defendant) _________________________________ WITNESS STATEMENT OF [YOUR NAME] _________________________________ 1. I, [Your Name], of [Your Address], am the Defendant in this claim. The facts in this statement are true to the best of my knowledge and belief. 2. I make this statement in support of my defence against the claim brought by the Claimant. Background 3. [Explain point by point what happened here. Keep it factual.] Conclusion 4. I therefore ask the Court to dismiss the claim in its entirety. Statement of Truth I believe that the facts stated in this witness statement are true. I understand that proceedings for contempt of court may be brought against anyone who makes, or causes to be made, a false statement in a document verified by a statement of truth without an honest belief in its truth. Signed: ____________________ Dated: 1/16/2026
Check how much EXTRA you will have to pay if you lose the case.
How much extra will court cost me?
If you lose, the claimant adds these fees to your debt.
Estimates based on standard County Court fees. Interest usually added at 8% per annum.
Timeline Danger Check
N9A vs N9B: Which form?
The claim pack contains different forms. Choosing the wrong one is a common mistake.
Form N9A (Admission): Use this if you agree you owe the money. This form allows you to list your Income & Expenditure and make an offer (e.g., "I offer £20 per month").
Form N9B (Defense): Use this ONLY if you dispute the debt exists. For example:
- "It is Statute Barred (over 6 years old)."
- "I already paid it."
- "It is not my debt."
WARNING: "I have no money" is NOT a defense. If you admit the debt but can't pay, use N9A. If you file N9B saying "I'm broke", you will lose and pay extra costs.
What happens at a Hearing?
If you defend the claim, you may have to attend a hearing.
Don't be scared: Small Claims Court is designed for normal people, not lawyers.
- No Wigs: Judges wear suits. It's an office room, not a TV drama courtroom.
- The Procedure: The judge asks the claimant to prove the debt. Then they ask you for your side.
- The Evidence: The judge only cares about written evidence filed beforehand. You can't just turn up with new receipts on the day.
Summary of Options
File N9A (Admit)
Admit the debt and offer a monthly payment based on your budget. The court usually accepts reasonable offers.
File N9B (Defend)
Only do this if you legally don't owe the money (e.g. not your debt, statute barred). 'I can't afford it' is NOT a defense.
Ignore It
Result: Default Judgment (CCJ). The full amount becomes due immediately, and bailiffs can be sent.
Common Questions
Can I go to prison for this?
No. Debt is a civil matter, not criminal. You cannot go to prison for not paying a credit card or loan (Council Tax is different).
Will a CCJ ruin my credit?
Yes, for 6 years. However, if you pay the full amount within 30 days of the judgment, you can have the CCJ removed entirely.
The amount includes £100s in fees. Is that legal?
Yes. The claimant can add Court Fees and fixed solicitor costs to the debt. Use our Cost Estimator to check if the amount looks right.
Official Sources & References
Related Situations
Other guides accurately explaining what happens next in fines & penalties .
What happens if I ignore a County Court claim form?
Ignoring a court claim is the fastest way to get a CCJ. You lose the right to defend yourself and the creditor can use bailiffs or take money from your wages immediately.
What happens if I don't pay my TV licence?
It is a criminal offence, but it is not a 'recordable' one. You face a fine of up to £1,000 (plus costs), but you CANNOT go to prison just for not paying.
What happens if I receive a Single Justice Procedure notice?
SJP notices are used for 'minor' offences like TV licence evasion or speeding. One magistrate can convict you in private without you being in court.