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Form N211 UK: Part 20 Additional Claims Guide

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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 a defendant in civil proceedings and you want to bring your own claim against the claimant, a co-defendant, or someone who is not yet involved in the case, Form N211 is the document that starts that process. It sits under Part 20 of the Civil Procedure Rules, which governs what are often called 'additional claims' inside existing litigation. These can include counterclaims, claims for a contribution or indemnity from another party, and claims brought against third parties who have not yet been joined to the proceedings. The form runs alongside the main claim rather than replacing it, and it shares a court file and claim number with the original action. Getting the details right matters because Part 20 claims are treated as claims in their own right, with their own particulars, responses and timetable. This page walks through what the form does, who uses it, and the practical points to watch when you complete it.

What this document is

Form N211 is the court claim form used to bring an additional claim under CPR Part 20 in the County Court or High Court of England and Wales. An additional claim is a claim made by a defendant inside an existing set of proceedings, rather than a fresh action.

The three most common uses are: a counterclaim by a defendant back against the claimant; a claim by a defendant seeking a contribution or indemnity from another defendant already in the case; and a claim by a defendant against a person who is not yet a party, drawing them into the proceedings as a Part 20 defendant. Once served, an additional claim is treated much like any other claim.

The Part 20 defendant has to respond to it, the court will case-manage it alongside the main claim, and particulars of claim must be filed either with the form or shortly afterwards. It carries a court fee based on the value of the claim, and the amount payable should be checked on gov.uk at the time of filing.

How to use this document

  1. Get the heading right. Copy the name of the court and the claim number from the main proceedings onto Form N211. The Part 20 claim lives inside the same court file, so these identifiers must match exactly. A mismatch here causes delays at the counter and can result in the form being returned for correction before it is issued. 2. Identify the Part 20 claimant and Part 20 defendant. The person bringing the additional claim (usually the defendant in the main action) goes in the 'Part 20 claimant' box. The person you are claiming against goes in the 'Part 20 defendant' box. Include full names and an address for service. Where a party is a business, firm, or representative, set this out clearly in the way the rules require. 3. Set out capacity correctly. For an individual, give forename, surname, and a residential address in the UK or EEA. For a sole trader, use 'trading as' and the business name. For a partner sued in the firm name, add 'a firm' after the name. For someone acting as a representative, state the capacity (for example, as executor of a deceased person's estate). If a party is under 18 or lacks capacity, a litigation friend must be named. 4. Draft the particulars and value the claim. The form needs a short description of what you are claiming and why, and a statement of value so the court can allocate it to the right track. Full particulars of claim can be set out on the form itself or served separately within the time allowed by the rules. Attach any required statement of truth and keep copies for every party who needs to be served. 5. File, pay the fee and serve. Lodge the completed form at the court dealing with the main claim and pay the issue fee. Court fees change periodically, so check the current amount on gov.uk before you file. Once issued, the form and particulars must be served on the Part 20 defendant within the time limits in CPR Part 20, along with a response pack so they know how to reply.

Common questions

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Common questions

Q Do I always need the court's permission to issue a Part 20 claim?
Not always. A defendant can issue a counterclaim against the claimant without permission if it is filed with the defence. Bringing in a new party, or issuing later in the proceedings, usually needs the court's permission. The rules in CPR Part 20 set out when permission is required. If you are unsure, raise it early rather than risking the additional claim being struck out or delayed.
Q What is the difference between a counterclaim and a Part 20 claim against a third party?
A counterclaim is brought by a defendant against the original claimant inside the same proceedings. A Part 20 claim against a third party is brought against someone who was not previously involved, such as another contractor you say is really responsible, or an insurer who should indemnify you. Both are 'additional claims' under Part 20, but they serve different purposes and have different rules about timing and permission.
Q Is there a court fee for filing Form N211?
Yes. An additional claim attracts an issue fee in the same way as a standalone claim, calculated on the value of what you are claiming. Fees change from time to time, so check the current figure on gov.uk or at the court before you file. Fee remission may be available if you are on a low income or receive certain benefits, and you can apply for that using the relevant EX160 process.
Q How long does the Part 20 defendant have to respond?
A Part 20 defendant generally has 14 days from service to file an acknowledgement of service or a defence, in the same way as a defendant to a main claim. Missing this deadline can lead to judgment in default. The exact timetable and the options available are set out in the response pack served with the form, and the court will case-manage the additional claim alongside the main action.
Q Can I use Form N211 for a money claim I could have started separately?
In principle yes, if it is properly connected to the main proceedings and falls within Part 20. The purpose of an additional claim is to have related disputes decided together rather than in separate actions. Whether it is sensible to bring it as a Part 20 claim, or issue a fresh claim instead, depends on the facts, the timing, and how the court is likely to case-manage it.
Q Do I need to serve particulars of claim with Form N211?
The particulars of claim either need to be set out on the form itself or served within the period allowed by the Civil Procedure Rules after the form is issued. The particulars explain the facts you rely on, what you are claiming, and why the Part 20 defendant is liable. Without proper particulars, the other side cannot respond properly and the court may not let the claim progress.
Q What happens if the main claim settles before the Part 20 claim is decided?
The additional claim does not automatically end when the main claim settles. Because it is treated as a claim in its own right, it can continue to a hearing unless the parties agree otherwise or the court directs. This is worth remembering when negotiating settlement: any deal should address what happens to Part 20 claims as well as the main claim, otherwise litigation can drag on.
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.