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Form N501 UK: Section 8A Disqualification Claim

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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
Form N501 is the court claim form used to begin proceedings under Section 8A of the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986. It is the route through which a claimant asks the court to vary or end a disqualification undertaking already given by a director, or to deal with related matters set out in that section. The process sits within a specialist corner of insolvency and company litigation, and the paperwork needs to be accurate from the outset because the court will rely on it to frame the hearing. On this page I walk through what the form does, who tends to use it, the practical steps involved and the points that most often trip people up. If you want to talk any of this through before committing time and money to a claim, you can book a call with an experienced legal adviser further down the page.

What this document is

Form N501 is the prescribed court form for starting certain applications connected with director disqualification, specifically those brought under Section 8A of the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986. Section 8A covers applications to reduce the period of a disqualification undertaking that a director has already given, or to release the director from it entirely.

The form identifies the claimant (the person bringing the application), names the defendant (usually the Secretary of State or the director concerned, depending on who is applying) and sets out the relief sought. It is supported by written evidence, normally in the form of an affidavit or witness statement with exhibits.

The claim is typically issued in the High Court, and where it relates to a disqualification undertaking it is issued out of the Companies Court at the Royal Courts of Justice. Once issued, the court fixes a first hearing and the papers are served on the other side.

The hearing is the opportunity for each party to put their case before a judge who then decides whether, on the facts, any change to the undertaking is justified in the public interest.

How to use this document

  1. Check that Section 8A is the right route. Section 8A is narrow. It deals with disqualification undertakings, not fresh disqualification applications under other sections. Before preparing Form N501, make sure the relief you actually want, whether that is a reduction in the period or a full release, falls within Section 8A rather than a different part of the Act.
  2. Gather the supporting evidence. The court will not shorten or release an undertaking on the claim form alone. You will need a detailed witness statement or affidavit setting out the grounds, together with exhibits such as the original undertaking, financial records, character evidence and anything else relevant to why the change is justified. Weak evidence is the most common reason these claims fail.
  3. Complete Form N501 accurately. Enter the full names and addresses of the claimant and defendant, describe the relief sought, and include the statement of truth. Inaccurate or incomplete details can cause the court office to reject the form on issue, which wastes time and may have costs consequences later.
  4. Issue in the correct court. Claims under Section 8A that concern a disqualification undertaking are issued in the High Court through the Companies Court at the Royal Courts of Justice in London. Filing in the wrong venue can lead to transfer or delay, so confirm the correct office before attending to issue the claim.
  5. Serve the papers and prepare for the hearing. Once issued, the claim form and evidence must be served on the defendant within the timeframes set by the Civil Procedure Rules. The court will list a first hearing where directions are given or, in straightforward cases, the application is decided. Both sides should be ready to address the evidence and the public interest test.

Common questions

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Common questions

Q Who can bring a Section 8A application?
Typically a director who has given a disqualification undertaking brings the claim because they want the period reduced or the undertaking lifted. The Secretary of State is usually named as defendant. Other parties with a genuine interest in the outcome may also become involved, but most Section 8A claims under Form N501 are director-led applications seeking relief from an undertaking already in place.
Q Is Form N501 used for the original disqualification itself?
No. The original disqualification is usually brought under Section 6, 7 or 8 of the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986, and different procedures and forms apply. Form N501 is specifically linked to Section 8A, which deals with variation or release of a disqualification undertaking that the director has already voluntarily given to avoid contested proceedings.
Q What evidence does the court expect?
The court expects a clear written statement explaining why the undertaking should be reduced or released, supported by documentary evidence. This often includes the original undertaking, details of the underlying conduct, evidence of rehabilitation or changed circumstances, financial information and sometimes references. The bar is high because the court is being asked to revisit a position the director previously accepted.
Q Which court handles these claims?
Applications under Section 8A that concern a disqualification undertaking are issued in the High Court, through the office of the Companies Court at the Royal Courts of Justice. The specialist listing reflects the fact that director disqualification is a technical area of company and insolvency law, and judges hearing these claims are experienced in the relevant legislation.
Q What fee applies to issue Form N501?
A court fee is payable when the claim is issued. Fees change from time to time, so check the current figure on gov.uk before attending to issue the claim. Fee remission may be available for individuals on low incomes. Budget for this at the outset because the court office will not issue the form without payment or an approved remission.
Q What happens at the first hearing?
The court reviews the papers, hears from both sides and either gives directions for a fuller hearing or decides the application if the issues are straightforward. The judge considers whether, based on the evidence, varying the undertaking is consistent with protecting the public. If successful, the court records the new position; if not, the original undertaking continues in force.
Q Do I need legal help to use Form N501?
Section 8A claims are technical and the evidence threshold is demanding, so most applicants work with someone experienced in insolvency litigation. Before you commit to that, a phone call with an experienced legal adviser can help you think through whether your situation is likely to meet the threshold and what to prepare, based on what you describe about your circumstances.
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.