Form N227 UK: Default Judgment Unspecified Sum
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When you've started a money claim in the county court and the defendant has gone silent, you're not stuck waiting forever. The rules let you ask the court to rule in your favour without a hearing, and Form N227 is the specific route to take when the amount you're owed hasn't been set as a fixed figure.
Perhaps you're claiming damages that a judge needs to assess, or compensation where the sum depends on evidence the court will weigh up. Either way, if the defendant hasn't filed an acknowledgment of service or a defence within the response window, N227 is how you ask the court to enter judgment and move things along.
This guide walks through when N227 applies, what you need to have in order before filing, and what typically happens next.
What this document is
Form N227 is the county court form used to request a default judgment where the amount claimed is not a fixed sum and has to be decided by the court. It sits within the framework of Part 12 of the Civil Procedure Rules, which governs default judgments in civil claims in England & Wales.
The form applies specifically where your original claim asked for an unspecified amount of money, for example damages for injury, loss, or breach of contract where the figure depends on the court's assessment. You can only use it once the time for the defendant to respond has run out and they haven't filed an acknowledgment of service or a defence.
Filing N227 doesn't automatically hand you a cheque. Instead, the court enters judgment on liability and then lists a separate disposal or assessment hearing to decide how much the defendant must pay. It's a procedural shortcut that keeps the case moving when the other side has chosen not to engage.
How to use this document
- Check the response window has expired. Before you file anything, confirm the defendant has run out of time to respond. Usually that's 14 days from service of the particulars of claim for a defence or acknowledgment, though timelines can vary depending on how service was carried out. Filing too early will get your request rejected.
- Confirm your claim is for an unspecified amount. N227 is only the right form where the sum owed isn't fixed and needs the court to quantify it. If your claim was for a specific amount, you'd use Form N225 instead. Check your original claim form to see how the money was pleaded.
- Complete the form with accurate details. You'll need your claim number, the full names and addresses of both parties, and confirmation that no acknowledgment or defence has been filed. Sign the statement of truth carefully, as making a false declaration carries real consequences.
- File the form with the court. Submit the completed N227 to the court handling your claim. Depending on the court and the claim, you may be able to file by post, in person, or through the online money claims service. A court fee may apply, so check gov.uk for the current amount.
- Prepare for the disposal hearing. Once the court enters judgment on liability, you'll typically be given a date for a hearing to assess the amount. Gather evidence of your losses: invoices, medical reports, correspondence, anything that supports the sum you want the court to award.
Common questions
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Common questions
Q What's the difference between Form N227 and Form N225?
N225 is used when your claim is for a specific, fixed sum of money, for example an unpaid invoice for a set amount. N227 is used when the amount hasn't been fixed and the court needs to decide what's owed, such as damages for injury or loss. Using the wrong form will slow your case down, so check how the money was pleaded in your original claim form before filing.
Q How long do I have to wait before I can file N227?
You generally need to wait until the defendant's time to file an acknowledgment of service or defence has passed. In most cases that's 14 days from service of the particulars of claim, but it can extend to 28 days if the defendant acknowledges service first. Filing before the deadline has properly expired will usually mean the court rejects your request.
Q What happens after I file Form N227?
If the court accepts the request, it enters judgment against the defendant on the question of liability. Because the amount isn't fixed, the court will then list a separate hearing, often called a disposal hearing or an assessment of damages, where a judge decides how much the defendant must pay you. You'll need to attend and present evidence of your losses.
Q Can the defendant challenge a default judgment entered under N227?
Yes. The defendant can apply to have the judgment set aside, usually by filing Form N244. The court will consider whether they have a real prospect of successfully defending the claim, or whether there's some other good reason to set the judgment aside. Acting quickly once they become aware of the judgment tends to improve their chances.
Q Is there a fee to file Form N227?
A court fee may apply for requesting a default judgment, and the amount can vary depending on the size and nature of the claim. Fees change from time to time, so check gov.uk for the current amount before you file. Fee remissions may be available if you're on a low income or receive certain benefits.
Q Do I need a solicitor to file Form N227?
No, you can file N227 as a litigant in person. The form itself is reasonably straightforward if your case fits the criteria. That said, the disposal hearing that follows can involve evidence of loss, medical reports, or arguments about quantum, and some people find it useful to get guidance before that stage. Complex or high-value claims often benefit from professional input.
Q What if I don't have the defendant's current address?
The court will want to see that the claim has been properly served on the defendant at a valid address. If you served at their last known address and haven't heard back, that may be sufficient, but issues with service can give the defendant grounds to set aside any judgment later. If you're unsure whether service was effective, it's worth thinking carefully before requesting default judgment.
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.
- Guidance · UK GovForm N227: Request for judgment by default (amount to be decided by the court) – gov.ukgov.uk
- Guidance · HMCTSCivil Procedure Rules Part 12 – Default Judgmentjustice.gov.uk
- Guidance · UK GovMake a court claim for money – gov.ukgov.uk
Legal helpline
Unsure whether N227 is the right form for your claim?
Getting the default judgment route wrong can set your case back weeks, especially where the amount owed isn't fixed. An experienced legal adviser can talk you through how the process fits your specific situation based on what you describe on the call.
- A clear explanation of how default judgment works for what you describe
- Plain-English answers to your specific questions about N227
- Practical perspective on what to expect at a disposal hearing
- What to watch out for in your circumstances before you file
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.