Court & Tribunal Forms: A Plain-English Navigator for England & Wales

At a glance

• All official forms are free to download from GOV.UK's court and tribunal forms collection. Never use a third-party source — outdated forms are rejected.
• The right form depends on the right venue. Civil money claims go to the County Court. Family matters go to the Family Court. Employment disputes go to the Employment Tribunal. Each has its own distinct form series.
• Most court forms carry a fee — but Help with Fees (form EX160) may reduce or waive it if you qualify. Employment tribunal claims have no fee.
• Time limits are strict. Most employment tribunal claims must be lodged within three months minus one day of the event. Miss the window and the tribunal has no jurisdiction to hear your claim.
• Many common forms can now be filed online — money claims, divorce applications, employment tribunal claims, and probate applications all have digital routes on GOV.UK.
• This page is a navigation aid, not legal advice. If you are unsure which form applies to your situation, or if a deadline is close, take advice before you file.

The court and tribunal landscape: which body handles what

Before you search for a form, you need to identify the right venue. Filing in the wrong court or tribunal means the wrong form — and the case will be sent elsewhere or returned to you.

Civil courts

The County Court handles the majority of civil disputes: money claims, breach of contract, debt recovery, landlord and tenant matters, and enforcement. For lower-value claims there is also the small claims track (up to £10,000 for most claims; up to £1,000 for personal injury and housing disrepair against private landlords). Most civil court forms use the N-series prefix.

The High Court handles high-value or legally complex civil claims. It is divided into three divisions: King's Bench, Chancery, and Family. High Court forms are typically issued by the relevant division and are available on GOV.UK.

The Family Court

Established in 2014, the Family Court is a single court sitting across England and Wales that handles divorce and dissolution, financial remedy orders, child arrangements, adoption, domestic abuse injunctions, and forced marriage protection. Family forms use the C-series (Children Act), D-series (divorce and dissolution), and FL-series (family law — domestic abuse and forced marriage).

Employment Tribunal

The Employment Tribunal is a specialist statutory tribunal that handles disputes between workers and employers: unfair dismissal, wrongful dismissal, discrimination under the Equality Act 2010, unlawful deductions from wages, equal pay, whistleblowing, and related statutory claims. The forms are ET1 (claim) and ET3 (response). There is no fee to bring an employment tribunal claim — fees were abolished following the Supreme Court's ruling in R (UNISON) v Lord Chancellor [2017] UKSC 51.

The Tribunal Service

Alongside the courts sits a separate tribunal system, established under the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007. It is organised into a First-tier Tribunal (seven chambers, each covering different subject-matter areas) and an Upper Tribunal (four chambers, hearing appeals from the First-tier on points of law). Each chamber has its own forms and procedures.

Civil court forms: the N-series

Civil court forms in England and Wales are identified by an N prefix followed by a number. They are published by HMCTS and available from GOV.UK's county court forms collection.

Key N-series forms

| Form | Purpose | When you use it | |------|---------|----------------| | N1 | Claim form (CPR Part 7) | Starting a money claim or civil claim in the County Court or High Court | | N9 | Response pack (acknowledgment of service) | Responding to an N1 claim — tells the court you intend to defend or need 28 days to prepare | | N180 | Directions questionnaire (small claims) | Giving the court information to list a small claims hearing | | N181 | Directions questionnaire (fast track / multi-track) | As above for higher-value tracked claims | | N244 | Application notice | Applying to the court for an order (e.g. to set aside a default judgment, vary an order, or obtain an injunction in ongoing proceedings) | | N245 | Suspend a warrant / vary payment | Asking the court to halt enforcement action or change payment amounts | | N293A | Combined certificate of service / default judgment | Applying for judgment when the defendant has not responded |

Issuing a money claim online

For claims up to £25,000 you can use the Online Civil Money Claims service (OCMC). This is faster than posting a paper N1 and gives you a digital record.

For specified money claims between £25,001 and £100,000, use Money Claim Online (MCOL) — the longer-established HMCTS service. For claims over £100,000, or for claims that include an injunction at the outset, a paper N1 is filed at a court counter or by post.

Money claim fees

Most money claims carry an issue fee based on the value being claimed. The table below shows the current bands — always check GOV.UK's civil court fees guidance (EX50) for the current figure before filing, as fees are updated by statutory instrument and specific amounts quoted online may be outdated.

| Claim value | Current issue fee (check GOV.UK) | |-------------|----------------------------------| | Up to £300 | £35 | | £300.01 – £500 | £50 | | £500.01 – £1,000 | £70 | | £1,000.01 – £1,500 | £80 | | £1,500.01 – £3,000 | £115 | | £3,000.01 – £5,000 | £205 | | £5,000.01 – £10,000 | £455 | | Over £10,000 | 5% of claim value |

Fees above were correct following the April 2025 revision. A further uplift took effect in July 2026. Always verify the current fee on GOV.UK before you file.

Fee remission may apply if you have a low income or receive qualifying benefits — see the Help with Fees section below.

Family court forms

Family court forms are divided into three main series depending on the subject matter.

C-series: Children Act applications

The C100 is the primary application form for private law children proceedings under the Children Act 1989. Use it when you are applying for:

• a child arrangements order (dealing with where a child lives and when they spend time with each parent),
• a prohibited steps order (preventing the other parent from taking a specific step, such as removing the child from England and Wales without consent), or
• a specific issue order (resolving a particular dispute about a child's upbringing, such as which school they attend).

MIAM requirement: Before filing a C100, you must attend a Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting (MIAM) with an authorised mediator — or show that an exemption applies (for example, domestic abuse, child protection concerns, or urgency). The mediator signs the C100 to confirm attendance or that an exemption is in place. Filing without MIAM compliance is one of the most common reasons C100 forms are returned. The full C-series forms collection is available at GOV.UK's Children Act forms page.

D-series: Divorce and dissolution

D8 is the application to start divorce, judicial separation, or civil partnership dissolution proceedings. Since the Divorce, Dissolution and Separation Act 2020 came into force in April 2022, divorce in England and Wales is no longer fault-based: there is a single ground (irretrievable breakdown of the marriage) stated by the applicant, with no requirement to prove conduct or separation periods.

Applications can be made jointly (by both parties) or solely (by one party). The current court fee for a divorce application is £612 — check GOV.UK for the current fee. The digital route is the online divorce service, with GOV.UK guidance at gov.uk/get-a-divorce. Paper D8 forms are available from the divorce and dissolution forms collection.

FL-series: Domestic abuse and forced marriage

FL401 is the application for a non-molestation order (protecting against harassment or violence) or an occupation order (determining who may remain in the family home) under the Family Law Act 1996. There is no court fee for this application. It must be supported by a witness statement setting out the facts relied upon. Applications can be made on notice (with the respondent informed) or without notice in urgent cases.

CourtNav is an MoJ-endorsed online tool that guides applicants through completing an FL401 and the supporting witness statement. The form itself is at gov.uk/government/publications/apply-for-a-non-molestation-or-occupation-order-fl401.

Employment Tribunal: ET1 and ET3

ET1 — the claim form

The ET1 is the form used to bring a claim to the Employment Tribunal. Around 98% of claims are now submitted online via employmenttribunals.service.gov.uk. Claims can cover:

• unfair dismissal
• wrongful dismissal (breach of contract)
• discrimination, harassment, or victimisation under the Equality Act 2010 (on grounds of age, disability, race, sex, religion or belief, sexual orientation, pregnancy, or gender reassignment)
• unlawful deductions from wages
• equal pay
• whistleblowing detriment or dismissal

No fee is payable — fees were abolished following R (UNISON) v Lord Chancellor [2017] UKSC 51.

ACAS early conciliation — mandatory before filing

Before submitting an ET1, you must notify ACAS and participate in early conciliation (unless an exemption applies). ACAS will contact both parties and attempt to broker a settlement. Notifying ACAS pauses the limitation clock. If conciliation does not resolve the matter, ACAS issues a certificate with a reference number — you must include this on the ET1. An ET1 without a valid ACAS reference is rejected. The process is explained at acas.org.uk/early-conciliation.

ET3 — the employer's response

Employers served with an ET1 must respond using form ET3 within 28 days of the tribunal sending them the claim. Late responses require the tribunal's permission. The ET3 is submitted via respond-employment-tribunals.service.gov.uk. The employer's ET3 can admit or deny the claim, or raise a jurisdictional objection (for example, that the claim is out of time).

Time limits

| Claim type | Current time limit | |------------|--------------------| | Unfair dismissal | 3 months minus 1 day from the effective date of termination | | Discrimination (Equality Act 2010) | 3 months minus 1 day from the act complained of, or the last in a series of acts | | Equal pay | 6 months from the end of the employment | | Wrongful dismissal (breach of contract) | 3 months minus 1 day from the effective date of termination |

Important: The Employment Rights Act 2025 (Royal Assent 18 December 2025) is expected to extend most employment tribunal time limits to six months. For most claim types, this change is expected no earlier than October 2026 but the exact commencement dates are not yet all confirmed. Check the current position on GOV.UK or via ACAS before filing.

Probate forms: PA1P and PA1A

Probate (formally, a grant of representation) is the legal process that gives an individual the authority to deal with a deceased person's estate. Two main forms apply:

• PA1P — used when the deceased left a valid will. The grant issued is a grant of probate. Form available at GOV.UK.
• PA1A — used when the deceased died without a will (intestate). The grant issued is letters of administration. Form available at GOV.UK.

In both cases, the original will (if any) and an Inheritance Tax return (IHT400 or the IHT205/IHT217 for smaller estates) must accompany the application. The Probate Registry will not issue a grant until any inheritance tax due has been paid or arranged.

Probate fee: There is no fee for estates valued at £5,000 or under. For estates above £5,000, a single fee applies — check GOV.UK's applying for probate page for the current amount, as the fee changed significantly in July 2026.

Online applications: Most personal applicants now apply online via GOV.UK's probate service. Solicitors and probate practitioners use the MyHMCTS portal.

Tribunal chambers and their forms

The tribunal system created by the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 is structured into two tiers.

First-tier Tribunal: seven chambers

| Chamber | What it covers | GOV.UK | |---------|---------------|--------| | Social Entitlement Chamber | Social security and child support appeals, criminal injuries compensation, asylum support | gov.uk/courts-tribunals/first-tier-tribunal-social-security-and-child-support | | Tax Chamber | Income tax, corporation tax, VAT and other HMRC decisions | gov.uk/courts-tribunals/first-tier-tribunal-tax | | Immigration and Asylum Chamber | Appeals against Home Office immigration and asylum decisions | gov.uk/courts-tribunals/first-tier-tribunal-immigration-and-asylum | | Health, Education and Social Care Chamber | Mental health review tribunals, special educational needs, care standards | gov.uk/courts-tribunals/first-tier-tribunal-mental-health | | General Regulatory Chamber | Environment, gambling, information rights (data protection/FOI), transport, professional regulation | gov.uk/courts-tribunals/first-tier-tribunal-general-regulatory-chamber | | Property Chamber | Residential property (rent, service charges, leasehold), agricultural land, housing conditions | gov.uk/courts-tribunals/first-tier-tribunal-property-chamber | | War Pensions and Armed Forces Compensation Chamber | Appeals against war pensions and armed forces compensation decisions | gov.uk/courts-tribunals/first-tier-tribunal-war-pensions-and-armed-forces-compensation |

Each chamber publishes its own forms and practice directions. Start at the relevant GOV.UK page to find the correct application form and time limits for your matter.

Upper Tribunal: four chambers

The Upper Tribunal hears appeals from the First-tier Tribunal on points of law. In some cases (particularly judicial review matters) it also has first-instance jurisdiction. The four chambers are:

| Chamber | Main subject matter | |---------|-------------------| | Administrative Appeals Chamber | Appeals on points of law from First-tier Social Entitlement, General Regulatory, Mental Health and other chambers | | Tax and Chancery Chamber | Tax appeals from First-tier Tax Chamber; some financial services matters | | Immigration and Asylum Chamber | Appeals from First-tier Immigration and Asylum Chamber | | Lands Chamber | Compulsory purchase compensation, land valuation, restrictive covenants |

Appeals to the Upper Tribunal require permission — either granted by the First-tier Tribunal or applied for directly to the Upper Tribunal. Each chamber has its own application forms and guidance on GOV.UK.

How to find the right form: a step-by-step approach

1. Identify the correct venue. Is this a civil money claim (County Court), a family matter (Family Court), an employment dispute (Employment Tribunal), a benefits appeal (First-tier Social Entitlement Chamber), or something else? The venue determines the form series.

2. Go to the GOV.UK forms collection for that venue. The master index is at gov.uk/government/collections/court-and-tribunal-forms. From there, drill into the specific collection for your area.

3. Read the guidance notes before you start filling in. Almost every form is accompanied by notes explaining who should use it, what information is required, what documents to attach, and how to submit. Reading the notes before you start reduces errors and rejections.

4. Check whether an online service exists. Money claims, divorce, employment tribunal claims, and probate applications all have digital submission routes that are faster and provide a digital record. Check the individual form page for the submission options.

5. Calculate and pay the correct fee — or apply for remission first. Most forms carry a fee. Check GOV.UK for the current amount (fees change by statutory instrument). If you may qualify for Help with Fees, complete EX160 or the online equivalent before you submit the main form.

6. Keep copies of everything you send. Courts and tribunals can lose paperwork. Keep a copy of every form you submit, together with any proof of posting, your fee receipt, and the date you filed.

Help with Fees: reducing or waiving court fees

The Help with Fees scheme allows eligible applicants to pay a reduced fee, or no fee at all, for most civil and family court and tribunal proceedings. Employment tribunal claims are excluded (no fees apply there already).

How to apply

Apply using form EX160 or through the online Help with Fees service. Apply before you file the main form, not after. Detailed guidance is available at gov.uk/get-help-with-court-fees.

Who qualifies for full remission

You are automatically entitled to full fee remission if you or your partner receive any of the following benefits:

• Universal Credit (with net earnings under £6,000 per year)
• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
• Guarantee Credit (Pension Credit)

If you do not receive a qualifying benefit, you may still qualify based on your gross monthly income and savings (capital). The thresholds are set out in the Courts and Tribunals Fee Remissions Order 2013 (SI 2013/2302) — check the full eligibility criteria on GOV.UK, as the figures are updated periodically.

Partial remission

If your income or savings exceed the full-remission threshold but are not substantially above it, you may qualify for a partial remission — a reduction in the fee rather than a full waiver. The precise calculation depends on your income against a sliding scale.

Where to get further help

• Citizens Advice: citizensadvice.org.uk — free guidance on completing many common court forms and understanding civil procedure.
• Law centres: law centres offer free legal advice to people who cannot afford a solicitor, including help with court forms. Find your nearest at lawcentres.org.uk.
• GOV.UK guidance pages: most court and tribunal processes have a step-by-step GOV.UK guide. Always start there for procedural questions.
• Court staff: HMCTS staff at court counters can explain procedure and direct you to the correct form, but they cannot advise you on the merits of your case or which form is correct for your legal argument.

This guide provides general information about court and tribunal forms in England and Wales. It is not legal advice and is not a substitute for advice tailored to your specific circumstances. The law described was accurate as at June 2026 and is subject to change — in particular, employment tribunal time limits are expected to change no earlier than October 2026.

Last reviewed: June 2026 · Next review due: October 2026 or on legislative change.