Form N225A UK: Part Admission Response Guide

What this document is

Form N225A is the court-issued response form sent to a claimant when a defendant has filed a part admission to a specified money claim. A specified claim is one where you asked the court for a fixed sum of money (for example, an unpaid invoice of a known amount), rather than damages to be assessed.

A part admission happens when the defendant accepts they owe you something, but less than the full amount you've claimed. The form gives you two clear routes. You can accept the defendant's partial offer as full and final settlement of the claim, in which case judgment is entered for that lower figure plus the fixed costs and fees you're entitled to.

Or you can reject the part admission, which means the claim continues as defended in respect of the balance, and the court will normally allocate it to a track for trial. N225A also lets you tell the court how you want any payment made: in one lump sum immediately, by a single later payment, or by instalments.

How to use this document

1. Check the court papers and the deadline. The form arrives with a covering notice telling you the date by which your reply must reach the court. If you miss the deadline, the claim can be stayed, meaning it sits dormant and you may need to apply (and potentially pay a fee) to lift the stay before it can move forward again.
2. Decide whether to accept or reject the part admission. Weigh the certainty of a judgment now for the admitted portion against the time, cost and risk of fighting on for the balance. Consider the strength of your evidence, the defendant's ability to pay, and whether the disputed amount justifies contested proceedings and potential allocation to the small claims or fast track.
3. Complete the identifying details accurately. Fill in the court name, claim number, and both parties' details exactly as they appear on the claim form. Any reference numbers you use internally can be added. If you know the defendant's date of birth, include it; this helps if enforcement is needed later through the Register of Judgments.
4. Set out how you want payment to be made. Whether you accept or reject, you need to indicate your preferred payment method: immediately, in full by a set date, or by instalments at a rate you propose. The court considers your preference alongside the defendant's stated means before setting a final rate of payment on any judgment.
5. Return the form to the court before the deadline. Send the completed N225A to the County Court Business Centre or the court address shown on your papers. Keep a dated copy. Once received, the court processes your response, enters judgment where appropriate, and sends sealed orders to both parties.

Common questions