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Form N504 UK: Director Disqualification Checklist

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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 N504 is the pre-trial checklist used in director disqualification proceedings in England and Wales. It is filed in the weeks leading up to trial and gives the court a structured snapshot of where the claim stands: which directions have been followed, what still needs to happen, and whether the parties are ready for a hearing. If you are a defendant director, a claimant representative, or someone supporting either side, getting this form right helps the trial run smoothly and avoids last-minute applications. This page walks through what the checklist asks for, how legal representatives handle the costs and timetable sections, and how the Carecraft Procedure or a disqualification undertaking can sometimes resolve matters without a full trial. The aim is to give you a plain-English overview so you know what the form is for and what the court expects.

What this document is

Form N504 is a court document used in civil proceedings brought under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986. These are claims where the Secretary of State, the Official Receiver, or another authorised party asks the court to bar an individual from acting as a company director for a set period.

The checklist is the procedural tidy-up before trial. It confirms that pre-trial directions have been complied with, flags anything outstanding, and gives the court practical information it needs to list the hearing sensibly. Typical contents include confirmation of compliance with directions, any further directions sought, an estimate of trial length, proposed witnesses (including experts with their fields and reports), availability issues during the listing window, whether an interpreter is needed, and any special facilities required at court.

Legal representatives also provide costs estimates, a draft order, and a proposed trial timetable. The form is one of the final procedural steps before the matter is heard.

How to use this document

  1. Check the directions you have been given. Read through every direction the court has issued so far and confirm, honestly, which have been complied with. If something has slipped or is still in progress, note it clearly on the form rather than leaving gaps the judge will query later.
  2. Decide whether further directions are needed. Think about what still needs to happen before trial: late disclosure, additional witness statements, expert reports, or agreed bundles. If you want the court to order something, flag it on the checklist and try to agree the wording with the other side first.
  3. Prepare the trial logistics. Put together a witness list showing names, whether they are factual or expert witnesses, their fields of expertise if relevant, and any reports they have produced. Note any dates within the listing window that key witnesses or the legal team genuinely cannot attend.
  4. Legal representatives: complete the costs and timetable sections. If you act for a party, you will need to provide an estimate of costs incurred and projected overall costs, plus a proposed timetable for the trial itself. A draft order should also be prepared so the judge has something workable to consider.
  5. Consider settlement routes and file the checklist. Before sending the form in, think about whether a disqualification undertaking or the Carecraft Procedure could resolve matters without a contested hearing. File the completed checklist with the listing fee, any application fee for further directions, the timetable, the draft order, and the costs estimate.

Common questions

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Common questions

Q Who needs to complete Form N504?
The checklist is completed by the parties to a director disqualification claim, typically the claimant (often the Secretary of State or Official Receiver) and the defendant director. Where a party has legal representation, the solicitors or counsel handling the case will usually prepare it. Self-represented defendants are expected to complete the parts that apply to them, although some sections, particularly costs, only apply to legal representatives.
Q What is the Carecraft Procedure?
The Carecraft Procedure is a streamlined approach used in director disqualification cases where both sides agree on the key facts and the appropriate period of disqualification. Instead of a full contested trial, the court considers an agreed written statement of facts and makes an order on that basis. It can save significant time and cost, but it only works where the parties genuinely agree on what happened and the outcome sought.
Q What is a disqualification undertaking?
A disqualification undertaking is a formal promise given by a director to the Secretary of State, agreeing not to act as a director for a set period. It has broadly the same legal effect as a court order but avoids the need for a trial. Many director disqualification cases are resolved this way. It is worth exploring early because it can reduce stress, cost, and public exposure compared with a contested hearing.
Q Do I need to attach a fee with the checklist?
Yes, a listing fee is generally payable when the pre-trial checklist is filed, and a separate fee may apply if you are asking the court to make further directions. Court fees change from time to time, so check gov.uk for the current amounts before filing. If you cannot afford the fee, you may be able to apply for help with fees using form EX160.
Q What happens if the case settles before trial?
If the claim is resolved before the trial date, for example through a disqualification undertaking or another agreed outcome, you must tell the court straight away. Leaving the court to find out at the hearing wastes judicial time and can attract criticism or costs consequences. A short letter or notice to the court office referencing the claim number is usually enough to put the position on the record.
Q What if a witness needs an interpreter or special facilities?
The checklist asks you to flag any special arrangements the court needs to know about in advance. This includes interpreters for witnesses who do not speak English as a first language, accessibility requirements, video link facilities, or screening arrangements for vulnerable witnesses. Raising these needs on Form N504 gives the court time to arrange the right support rather than scrambling on the day of the trial.
Q Can I file the checklist without legal representation?
Yes. A defendant director can complete and file Form N504 as a litigant in person. The costs sections that apply only to legal representatives can be left out, but you are still expected to address directions, witnesses, trial length, and settlement options. Director disqualification claims can be technical, so many defendants find it helpful to talk through their situation with someone experienced before filing.
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.