Form N244 UK: How to Apply to Court (Guide)
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If you need to ask a court to change something about an ongoing case or a judgment that has already been made, the route is usually through an application notice. In the civil courts of England and Wales, that application notice is Form N244.
It is the form you reach for when you want a judge to make a specific order, whether that is setting aside a default judgment entered against you, asking for more time to comply with something, or requesting that a hearing be pushed back. Getting the form right matters, because a poorly drafted application can be refused or sent back for correction, which costs time you may not have.
This guide walks you through what Form N244 does, when to use it, how to complete each section, and what happens once you submit it to the court.
What this document is
Form N244 is the standard application notice used in civil proceedings in England and Wales. Rather than starting a fresh claim, it sits inside an existing case and asks the court to make a particular order or direction. People use it for a wide range of reasons: to apply to set aside a county court judgment, to vary instalment payments on an existing order, to suspend a warrant of control, to request an adjournment of a hearing, to add or remove a party, or to ask for permission to do something the rules would otherwise prevent.
The form itself is relatively short, but the reasoning behind it does most of the work. You need to state clearly what order you want the court to make and why, backed up by evidence where appropriate. A court fee usually applies, though fee remission is available for people on low incomes or certain benefits.
Once filed, the court will either deal with the application on paper or list a short hearing, depending on the nature of the request and what the other side says in response.
How to use this document
- Work out what order you actually want. Before touching the form, be clear on the outcome you are asking the court for. 'Set aside the judgment dated 14 March' is a proper order. 'Help with my case' is not. The more precise you are, the easier it is for a judge to grant what you need. 2. Gather your evidence. Most applications need to be supported by evidence explaining the background and your reasons. This can go in the witness statement box on the form itself, or in a separate witness statement attached to it. Include dates, relevant documents, and a clear narrative of what happened. 3. Complete the form accurately. Fill in the claim number, the parties, what you are applying for in Section 3, whether you want a hearing in Section 5, and your reasons in Section 10. Every question matters, so do not leave boxes blank. Missing information is one of the most common reasons applications get returned. 4. Pay the court fee or apply for remission. A fee is payable when you file the application, and the amount depends on the type of order you are seeking. If you receive certain benefits or have a low income, you may qualify for help with fees. Check gov.uk for current amounts and eligibility criteria. 5. File and serve the application. Send the completed form, supporting evidence and fee to the court dealing with your case. Unless the application is without notice, you must also serve a copy on the other parties, generally at least three clear days before any hearing, so they have the chance to respond.
Common questions
Q When do I need to use Form N244 rather than a different form?
Form N244 is the general-purpose application notice for civil cases already underway in the County Court or High Court. If there is no specific form for what you want to ask the court to do, N244 is usually the correct one. Some applications have their own dedicated forms, such as N245 for varying a judgment debt payment rate, so it is worth checking first whether a more specific form exists for your situation.
Q Do I always need a hearing for an N244 application?
Not always. Section 5 of the form asks whether you want the application dealt with at a hearing, without a hearing, or at a telephone hearing. Straightforward or agreed applications can often be decided on paper, which is quicker and cheaper. Contested applications, or those involving disputed facts, usually need a hearing so the judge can consider both sides.
Q How much does it cost to file Form N244?
A court fee applies, and the amount varies depending on whether the application is made with or without notice to the other party, and whether it is by consent. Fees are reviewed periodically, so check the current fee schedule on gov.uk before filing. If you are on a low income or certain benefits, you may qualify for fee remission using form EX160.
Q Can I use N244 to set aside a default judgment?
Yes. If judgment has been entered against you in default, typically because you did not file a defence in time, N244 is the form you use to apply to set it aside. The court will consider factors such as whether you acted promptly, whether you have a real prospect of defending the claim, and whether there is some other good reason to set the judgment aside.
Q What happens after I submit the form?
The court will process the application, and depending on what you have asked for, either list a hearing or deal with it on the papers. You should receive a notice confirming the next steps. If a hearing is listed, both sides will be told the date, time and venue. If the judge needs more information before deciding, they may issue directions asking for further evidence or submissions.
Q Do I need a solicitor to complete Form N244?
No, the form is designed so that litigants in person can use it without legal representation. That said, the reasoning you put in Section 10 and any supporting witness statement often determines whether the application succeeds. For complex applications, or where a lot turns on the outcome, talking through your situation with an experienced legal adviser before filing can help you frame the application more effectively.
Q How quickly should I file an N244 application?
Promptness matters, particularly for applications to set aside judgments or suspend enforcement. Courts expect applicants to act without delay once they become aware of the issue. If you wait too long, it can count against you even where your underlying reasons are strong. If enforcement action is imminent, such as a bailiff visit, you should file the application as soon as possible.
Sources
This guide is based on primary UK law and official guidance.
- Guidance · UK GovForm N244 Application Notice on gov.ukgov.uk
- Guidance · UK GovHelp with court and tribunal fees (EX160)gov.uk
- Guidance · HMCTSCivil Procedure Rules, Part 23 (General rules about applications)justice.gov.uk
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.