A Court User's Guide to the Civil Justice Reforms

Flowchart 13B

Alternative procedure for
claims -- reply CPR Part 8

Acknowledgment of service

Defendant must file acknowledgment of service no later then 14 days after service of claim form, and at the same time serve a copy on the claimant and any other parties

Acknowledgment must state:

• whether defendant contests the claim and
• any different remedy sought to that of the claimant

Defendant may also object to claim being issued under Part 8 in the acknowledgment of service (giving reasons verified by a statement of truth) because:

• believes there is a serious dispute of fact or
• it was not permitted under a rule or practice direction

Failure to file acknowledgment of service

If the defendant fails to files to an acknowledgment of service and the time for filing has expired, the defendant may attend any hearing of the claim but may not take part without the court's permission.

Claimant may not apply for default judgment under Part 12.

Written evidence

Defendant must file any written evidence relied on with the acknowledgment of service and, at the same time, serve copies on the claimant and any other parties. Claimant may file further written evidence relied on in reply within 14 days of service of defendant's evidence.