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Form N163 Skeleton Argument UK: How to File

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Part ofCounty Court Forms UK

Written by Brad Askew Solicitor (non-practising)
Brad is on the roll of solicitors of England & Wales but does not hold a practising certificate and does not provide legal advice.
Updated June 2026 · England & Wales
If you are bringing an appeal in the civil courts of England and Wales, Form N163 is likely to form part of your paperwork. It is the document used to set out a skeleton argument, which is essentially a written outline of the case you intend to put to the appeal judge. Done well, a skeleton argument helps the court grasp your position quickly and focuses the hearing on the issues that actually matter. Done poorly, or not filed at all, it can seriously weaken your chances. This guide walks through what Form N163 is for, what the skeleton argument itself should contain, how it fits into Part 52 of the Civil Procedure Rules, and the practical points to keep in mind when preparing yours for submission to the court.

What this document is

Form N163 is the court form used to file a skeleton argument in connection with an appeal in the civil courts. A skeleton argument is a concise written summary of the legal and factual arguments a party intends to make at an appeal hearing.

Rather than being a full set of submissions, it signposts the court to the core issues, the grounds being relied on, and the authorities or evidence that support the party's position. Both appellants and respondents may need to file one, depending on the directions given by the court.

The form itself captures the administrative details, who the parties are, which case it relates to, and who is representing each side, while the skeleton argument sits alongside as the substantive content. Skeleton arguments in appeals are governed by the practice directions to Part 52 of the Civil Procedure Rules, which set out requirements on length, format, and content. Filing a well-prepared skeleton can materially influence how the court approaches the hearing.

How to use this document

  1. Check the court's directions first. Before drafting anything, read any directions the court has issued in your appeal carefully. These will often specify the deadline for filing the skeleton argument, whether it must be served on the other side, and any page or word limits. Missing a direction can lead to wasted costs or, in some cases, the appeal being struck out.
  2. Complete the administrative details on Form N163. Fill in your name, address, and contact information, along with the case reference and the name of the court dealing with the appeal. Indicate whether you are the appellant or the respondent, and identify your status in the original proceedings, such as claimant, defendant, or applicant. If you have a solicitor or advocate acting for you, include their details.
  3. Draft the skeleton argument itself. Set out the grounds of appeal clearly and in numbered paragraphs. Explain why you say the original decision was wrong, referring to the relevant legal principles, statutory provisions, or case law you plan to rely on. Keep the language plain and the structure logical, so a judge can follow the thread of your argument without having to hunt for it.
  4. Comply with CPR Part 52 practice directions. The practice directions supplementing Part 52 of the Civil Procedure Rules lay down specific requirements for skeleton arguments on appeal, including formatting and content expectations. Make sure your document follows these rules, as non-compliance can result in the court refusing to consider it, or in adverse cost consequences.
  5. Sign, file, and serve the documents on time. Either you or your legal representative should sign the skeleton argument. Lodge Form N163 and the skeleton with the correct court office by the deadline, and serve a copy on the other parties as required. Keep proof of filing and service in case any question arises later about whether the deadline was met.

Common questions

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Common questions

Q What is a skeleton argument in simple terms?
A skeleton argument is a short written document that summarises the key points a party will argue at a court hearing. On an appeal, it tells the judge what the grounds of appeal are, what law and evidence support them, and what outcome is being asked for. It is not meant to cover every detail, just the essential framework of the case so the court can prepare efficiently.
Q Who needs to file Form N163?
Form N163 is used by parties to civil appeals who are required to file a skeleton argument. This typically includes the appellant, and often the respondent as well if the court has directed them to respond. Whether it is mandatory in your case depends on the type of appeal and the directions given by the court, so it is worth checking Part 52 of the Civil Procedure Rules and any orders made in your proceedings.
Q What happens if I do not file a skeleton argument?
Failing to file a skeleton argument when required can have serious consequences. The court may refuse to hear parts of your argument, make adverse costs orders against you, or in some situations dismiss the appeal altogether. Because the rules in Part 52 treat skeleton arguments as an important part of the appeal process, it is risky to treat them as optional.
Q How long should a skeleton argument be?
There is no single fixed length, but skeleton arguments are meant to be concise rather than exhaustive. The practice directions under Part 52 set out expectations on length and formatting, and courts generally prefer focused documents that identify the issues clearly. Extremely long or repetitive skeletons can irritate the court and dilute the force of your points, so aim for clarity and brevity.
Q Can I prepare a skeleton argument myself without a solicitor?
Yes, litigants in person can prepare their own skeleton arguments, and many do. That said, drafting one that properly addresses the grounds of appeal, cites the right law, and complies with the rules can be challenging without legal training. If you are acting for yourself, it is worth reading the relevant practice directions carefully and considering whether some form of legal support would help.
Q Where do I file Form N163?
Form N163 is filed with the court that is handling the appeal, which will usually be identified in the appeal notice or directions order. This could be the County Court, the High Court, or the Court of Appeal, depending on the nature of the case. Always check the directions you have received, as they will confirm where and how to lodge the documents.
Q Does the skeleton argument replace oral argument at the hearing?
No. The skeleton argument supplements oral submissions rather than replacing them. It gives the judge an overview before the hearing, but at the hearing itself the advocate or party will still present arguments verbally, respond to questions from the bench, and address points raised by the other side. Think of the skeleton as the scaffolding that supports the oral case.
If you're dealing with this kind of situation, speak to an experienced legal adviser who can walk you through it — from £89.

Sources

This guide is based on primary UK law and official guidance.

Brad Askew, Solicitor (non-practising)

Written & reviewed by

Brad Askew Solicitor (non-practising)

Brad is on the roll of solicitors of England & Wales but does not hold a practising certificate and does not provide legal advice. LegalDocuments.co.uk is not a law firm and does not provide regulated legal advice.

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Legal disclaimer
This article is for general information only. It is a tool to help you find your way — not legal advice, and not a substitute for speaking to a qualified adviser about your situation.