Form N117 UK: Court Undertaking Explained (2026)

What this document is

Form N117 is a short court document used in civil proceedings in England and Wales to record the exact wording of an undertaking given by a party. An undertaking is a formal, voluntary promise made directly to the court. Common examples include agreeing not to contact a particular person, not to dispose of an asset, to pay a sum by a set date, or to attend a future hearing.

Once the form is signed and accepted, the promise carries the same weight as a court order. The form itself is straightforward on the surface: it sets out the case details, identifies the party giving the promise, records the terms agreed, and includes a declaration the signer must read and sign.

What sits behind the signature is more significant. A judge will usually want to be satisfied that the person signing understands what they are committing to and the consequences of failing to keep the promise. Undertakings are frequently used as an alternative to a contested injunction, because they can resolve an issue without the court needing to make findings of fact.

How to use this document

1. Read the proposed wording carefully. Before anything is signed, make sure the exact words of the undertaking match what you are actually willing to commit to. Once given, the wording is what binds you, not any informal discussion beforehand. If something is ambiguous or goes further than you intended, raise it before the form is finalised.
2. Fill in the case details at the top. Enter the claim number, the names of the claimant and defendant, and the court where the matter is being heard. These details need to match the other documents in the case exactly, so cross-check against the claim form or any previous orders to avoid any mismatch that could cause confusion later.
3. Set out the terms of your promise. Use the body of the form to record precisely what you are agreeing to do or not do, and for how long. Undertakings that are vague or open-ended tend to cause problems, so dates, names, addresses, and specific actions should be spelled out clearly rather than left to interpretation.
4. Read the warning and sign the declaration. The form contains a statement confirming you understand that breaking the promise is a contempt of court. Courts often require the person giving the undertaking to sign in front of the judge, so that the judge can see the promise is understood. Do not sign until you are sure.
5. File the signed form with the court. Once signed, the form is handed to the court so it can be kept on the case file. The court may also provide a sealed copy to the other party. Keep your own copy somewhere safe, because you will need to refer back to the exact wording if any question arises later.

Common questions