N180 Directions Questionnaire Guide

What Is the N180 Directions Questionnaire?

The N180 is a directions questionnaire sent by the court after a defence is filed in a small claims case. It is part of the allocation process — the court uses your answers to decide how to manage your case going forward.

Both the claimant and the defendant receive a copy. Each party fills in their own and returns it to the court within the deadline. The judge then uses both questionnaires to allocate the case to the small claims track and issue directions for the hearing.

When Do You Receive the N180?

You will receive the N180 after the defendant files a defence to your claim. Once a defence is filed, the case is no longer uncontested — the court needs to manage it through to a hearing or settlement.

The court sends the directions questionnaire to both parties at the same time. This typically happens within a few weeks of the defence being filed, though timescales can vary depending on how busy the court is.

If the defendant does not file a defence within the required 14 days (or 28 days if they filed an acknowledgement of service), you would apply for a default judgment instead. You only receive the N180 when there is a genuine dispute to manage.

What Is the Deadline?

The deadline to return your completed N180 is usually 14 days from the date it is sent to you. The exact date will be printed on the form and in the covering letter from the court.

How to Fill In the N180 — Section by Section

The N180 is not a difficult form, but every section matters. Here is what the court is asking in each part and how to answer it properly.

Section A — Your Details

Enter your full name, address, and the case number (also called the claim number). The case number is on every document the court has sent you — it usually starts with a letter followed by numbers. Double-check this is correct, as mistakes can cause delays.

Section B — Hearing Preferences

The court asks two important questions here:

• Do you want a hearing? In almost all cases, you should say yes. A hearing gives you the chance to present your evidence and argue your case in person. If both parties consent, the judge can decide the case on paper alone, but this is rarely advisable unless your case is very straightforward and the evidence is entirely documentary.
• Do you want the hearing at a particular court? You can request a court that is convenient for you. If you are the defendant, you generally have the right to have the hearing at your local county court. If you are the claimant, the case will usually be transferred to the defendant's local court — but you can request otherwise if you have good reason (for example, witnesses are located near a different court).

Section C — Witnesses

List everyone you intend to call as a witness at the hearing, including yourself. For each witness, give their name and briefly state what they will give evidence about.

In small claims, most parties give evidence themselves. You might also call a friend, family member, or colleague who witnessed what happened. Expert witnesses are handled separately in Section D.

Section D — Experts

Expert evidence is rare in small claims cases, but it can be relevant. For example, if you have a building dispute, you might want a surveyor's report. If you have a dispute about a faulty vehicle, a mechanic's report could help.

If you want to use expert evidence, you must state what type of expert and why their evidence is necessary. The judge will decide whether to allow it. On the small claims track, expert fees are generally limited to £750.

Section E — Mediation

The court will ask whether you are willing to attempt mediation through the Small Claims Mediation Service. This is a free service provided by HM Courts & Tribunals Service.

Mediation is usually conducted by telephone. A trained mediator speaks to each party separately, then works to find common ground. If mediation succeeds, the agreement is binding. If it does not succeed, your case simply proceeds to a hearing — nothing you say in mediation can be used against you in court.

Section F — Other Information

This is your opportunity to tell the court anything else relevant. Common things to include:

• Unavailable dates — list any dates you cannot attend a hearing over the next three months. This is very important. If you do not list unavailable dates and the court sets a hearing on a day you cannot attend, it is very difficult to get it moved.
• Disability or special requirements — if you have a disability, need a hearing loop, require wheelchair access, or need an interpreter, state this clearly.
• Telephone or video hearing — if attending in person would be difficult, you can request a remote hearing.
• Any other information — for example, if the other party has made a Part 36 offer, or if there are related proceedings.

Statement of Truth and Signature

You must sign the statement of truth at the end of the form. This confirms that the information you have provided is true to the best of your knowledge. Signing a false statement of truth is contempt of court and can result in serious consequences.

What Happens After You Return the N180?

Once the court receives both completed questionnaires, the judge reviews them and makes directions for the case. Here is the typical sequence:

1. Case Allocation and Directions

The judge formally allocates the case to the small claims track and issues a set of directions. These directions tell both parties what to do to prepare for the hearing. Typical directions include:

• Each party to send copies of all documents they intend to rely on to the other party and to the court by a specific date
• Each party to prepare and send a witness statement by a specific date
• The hearing date, time, and location

2. Mediation

If both parties agreed to mediation, the Small Claims Mediation Service will contact you to arrange a telephone mediation session. This usually happens within a few weeks of the directions being issued. If mediation resolves the dispute, the case is settled and there is no hearing.

3. Hearing

If mediation is declined or does not resolve the matter, the case proceeds to a hearing. Small claims hearings are informal — there are no wigs or gowns, and the judge will guide you through the process. You present your evidence, the other side presents theirs, and the judge makes a decision.

Tips for Completing the N180

• Always say yes to mediation. There is no downside. It is free, it is confidential, and if it does not work, your case still goes to a hearing. Refusing mediation can count against you.
• List all unavailable dates for the next three months. Pre-booked holidays, medical appointments, work commitments that cannot be moved — include everything. Once a hearing date is set, it is very hard to change.
• If you have a disability or need an interpreter, say so in Section F. The court has a duty to make reasonable adjustments, but only if you tell them.
• Keep a copy of everything you send to the court. Photocopy or scan your completed N180 before posting it. If the court claims they did not receive it, you have proof of what you sent.
• Send by recorded delivery. Use Royal Mail Signed For or Special Delivery so you have proof the court received your form within the deadline.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Missing the Deadline

This is the single biggest mistake people make. The 14-day deadline is strict. If you are even a day late, the court can take action against you — striking out your claim or entering judgment in your absence. Set a reminder as soon as you receive the form and aim to return it within a week.

2. Saying No to Mediation

Some people refuse mediation because they are angry and want their day in court. This is understandable but unwise. Judges notice who refused mediation, and it can influence costs decisions. Mediation does not mean you are being weak — it means you are being practical.

3. Not Listing Unavailable Dates

If you leave Section F blank and the court sets a hearing date when you are on holiday, you will have great difficulty getting it postponed. The judge may simply proceed without you. Always list every date you cannot attend.

4. Forgetting to Include Yourself as a Witness

In Section C, you need to list yourself as a witness if you intend to give evidence at the hearing — which you almost certainly will. Many people only list other witnesses and forget to include their own name.

Frequently Asked Questions