Form N15 UK: Acknowledge Arbitration Claim Service

What this document is

Form N15 is the standard acknowledgment of service used specifically for arbitration claims brought under Part 62 of the Civil Procedure Rules. An arbitration claim covers a range of court applications linked to arbitration, such as challenges to an arbitrator's jurisdiction, applications to enforce or set aside an award, and appeals on a point of law under the Arbitration Act 1996.

When a claimant issues one of these claims, the defendant is given the form so they can formally record that the documents have been received and indicate how they plan to respond. The form runs through sections labelled A to F.

These cover whether the defendant contests the claim, whether they challenge the jurisdiction of the court, an address for service and contact details, the name of any solicitor acting, and whether written evidence will be relied on. It is signed either by the defendant directly or by the solicitor on the record, and returned to the court and the claimant within the time limit fixed by the claim form.

How to use this document

1. Read the claim form and any supporting evidence carefully. Before putting pen to paper on Form N15, go through the arbitration claim form and any witness statements or exhibits served with it. Understanding what is actually being asked of the court shapes how you complete every section that follows, particularly the jurisdiction and evidence boxes.
2. Decide your position on the claim and on jurisdiction. Section A asks whether you intend to contest the claim and whether you dispute the court's jurisdiction. These are separate points. You might accept the court has jurisdiction but still want to defend the substance, or you might argue the dispute should have been dealt with entirely in arbitration and never reached the court.
3. Complete your contact and address details. Section B requires an address for service within the jurisdiction along with your contact information. If a solicitor is acting for you, their details go here too. Accuracy matters because all future documents in the proceedings will be sent to the address you give, so check it carefully before submitting.
4. Set out your position on written evidence. Section F is where you indicate whether you plan to rely on written evidence such as a witness statement. If you do, you will usually need to file and serve that evidence within the timescale set by the rules or the court. Flagging this early helps the court manage the timetable.
5. Sign, file and serve within the deadline. Once every section is complete, sign the form and file it with the court listed on the claim form, sending a copy to the claimant. Keep proof of service. Missing the deadline can lead to the claimant applying for judgment or the matter progressing without your input.

Common questions