Form N170 Pre-Trial Checklist UK: Complete Guide
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If your civil claim is heading towards trial, the court will usually send out Form N170, known as the Listing Questionnaire or pre-trial checklist. It is the court's way of confirming that both sides are ready, that directions have been followed, and that the hearing can go ahead on the allocated date without unexpected hold-ups.
Completing it properly matters. A poorly filled in checklist can lead to costs orders, wasted hearings, or the court making decisions about your case without the full picture. In this guide I walk through what Form N170 is for, what each section asks you to confirm, and the practical points claimants and defendants should think about before returning it.
If you are approaching this stage of litigation and want to think through your situation with an experienced legal adviser, a short telephone call can help you get clear on your next move.
What this document is
Form N170 is the Listing Questionnaire used in civil proceedings in England and Wales once the court is preparing to fix, or has fixed, a trial date. It applies to both claimants and defendants, and each party completes their own copy.
The purpose is to give the court a reliable snapshot of how ready the case is for trial: whether directions have been complied with, how many witnesses are expected, whether experts will attend, how long the hearing will realistically take, and whether any practical arrangements are needed at court. The form is returned to the court office by the deadline shown on the notice, along with any fee that applies.
Check gov.uk for the current fee. The judge uses the answers to decide whether the case can proceed as planned, whether any further directions are needed, or whether a listing or case management hearing should be arranged. Treat it as a serious procedural step, not a box-ticking exercise.
How to use this document
- Check the court's deadline and read the notice carefully. The covering letter from the court will tell you when the completed N170 must be returned. Diarise the date immediately and work backwards, because gathering witness availability, expert confirmations and trial time estimates can take longer than you expect.
- Work through Section A on directions compliance. Confirm whether every direction made so far has been followed. If anything is outstanding, set out honestly what remains, why, and when you expect it to be done. If you need further directions, prepare a draft order and an application to attach to the form.
- Complete Sections B and C on witnesses and experts. Confirm how many witnesses of fact will attend, whether any need special arrangements, vulnerability adjustments or an interpreter, and set out the position on experts, including whether permission has been given, reports exchanged, and any joint statement signed.
- Address Sections D and E on advocacy and timing. Identify who will present the case at trial and flag any dates to be avoided, for example pre-booked leave or other commitments. Give a realistic time estimate for the trial, ideally agreed with the other side, and indicate whether you could accept short notice of listing.
- Run through Section F, pay any fee, and file on time. Use the final checklist to confirm nothing is missing, pay the listing fee where required, and return the form to the correct court office by the deadline. Keep a copy of the signed form and proof of submission for your records.
Common questions
Q Who needs to complete Form N170?
Form N170 is usually completed by each party to a civil claim that has been allocated to the fast track or multi-track once the court is preparing to fix a trial date. That includes claimants, defendants, and anyone acting on their behalf such as a solicitor or legal representative. Each party files their own separate checklist rather than a joint one, although you may agree aspects such as time estimates with the other side.
Q What happens if I miss the deadline for returning the N170?
If the checklist is not returned on time, the court may list the case for a hearing, make directions in your absence, or in some situations strike the claim or defence out. At the very least, you risk a costs order. If you know you will struggle to meet the deadline, contact the court office promptly and consider whether an application for an extension is needed before the date passes.
Q Is there a fee for filing Form N170?
A listing or hearing fee commonly applies when the pre-trial checklist is filed, and the amount depends on the track and value of the claim. Fees change from time to time, so check gov.uk for the current figure before filing. In some cases a party on a low income or certain benefits may be able to apply for help with fees, which is a separate application process.
Q Do I need to agree the trial time estimate with the other side?
It is good practice to try. The court wants a realistic estimate covering evidence, cross-examination, submissions and judicial reading time. If the parties disagree, each can put forward their own figure on the form and explain why. An unrealistic time estimate is one of the most common reasons trials overrun or get adjourned, so think about it carefully rather than guessing.
Q What if a witness needs special arrangements or an interpreter?
Section B is where you flag this. It covers practical needs such as wheelchair access, video link facilities, screens, or support for vulnerable witnesses, as well as language interpreters. Raising these points early gives the court time to arrange them. If you leave it until close to trial, the hearing may not be able to proceed effectively and could be adjourned, with potential costs consequences.
Q Can I still use experts if they are not mentioned in Section C?
Generally no. Expert evidence in civil proceedings requires the court's permission, usually granted at an earlier case management stage. Section C asks you to confirm the position on experts already permitted. If you believe further expert evidence is needed, you will normally have to make a formal application with supporting reasons rather than simply adding the expert to the checklist.
Q Does returning the N170 mean my trial date is confirmed?
Not necessarily. The checklist helps the court decide whether to confirm the trial window, relist the case, or hold a pre-trial review. In fast track cases the court usually gives a set period of notice of the trial date. The form asks whether you could accept shorter notice, which can speed things up if both sides agree and the court has capacity.
Sources
This guide is based on primary UK law and official guidance.
- Guidance · UK GovForm N170 Listing questionnaire (pre-trial checklist) on gov.ukgov.uk
- Guidance · HMCTSCivil Procedure Rules Part 28 (Fast Track) and Part 29 (Multi-Track)justice.gov.uk
- Guidance · HMCTSCivil and family court fees on gov.ukgov.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.