Form N180 Directions Questionnaire explained for UK small claims

After you file your defence in a small claims track case, the court sends you Form N180 (the Directions Questionnaire). This form asks you detailed questions about how your case should progress to trial. Your answers directly shape the court's directions order, which sets timetables, outlines what evidence is needed, and schedules the hearing.

Many claimants and defendants find N180 confusing because it covers unfamiliar concepts like mediation, witness statements, expert evidence, and track allocation in rapid succession. This guide breaks down each section, explains what the court is asking, shows you how to answer tactically, and highlights the mistakes that delay trials or weaken your position.

The short version

Form N180 arrives 4-6 weeks after you file your defence. You have 14 days to complete it and return it to the court. The form asks:

• Do you want to try mediation before trial?
• Where do you want the trial to be heard?
• Do you agree this case stays in small claims (up to £10,000), or should it go to fast track (£10,000-£100,000)?
• How many witnesses will you bring? What will they say?
• Do you need an expert witness (surveyor, engineer, accountant)?
• Do you need special arrangements (interpreter, video link, extra time)?

Your answers determine the court's directions order. If you do not return the form, the court may mark your defence as struck out or make orders without your input.

At a glance

When the court sends Form N180

The court sends N180 to both you (the defendant or claimant) and the other party once the defence has been filed and stays in the court office for a fixed period. The standard trigger is: claimant files claim → defendant files defence → court awaits both parties' addresses and acknowledgement of service → court sends N180 to all parties.

In small claims, N180 is always sent. You must return a completed form within 14 days of receipt (or the date shown in the court's covering letter). If you file the defence yourself, the court's N180 arrives 2-3 weeks later. If you use a solicitor, they will usually complete N180 for you, but you should understand its contents.

Section A: Confirmation of compliance

Section A asks: "Have you complied with the Practice Direction on Pre-action Conduct and the rules of court?" This is a formal check that both parties have followed procedural rules before issuing the claim.

In small claims, this is almost always "yes" because the court expects pre-action communication (exchange of letters, attempts to settle) before the claim reaches court. If you ignored the other party's letter or refused to respond to a reasonable settlement proposal, the judge may view this unfavourably at trial, but section A itself is a straightforward yes/no box.

The form also asks whether you have "considered ADR" (Alternative Dispute Resolution). This means: Have you thought about mediation, arbitration, or direct negotiation instead of going to trial? You do not need to have agreed to it, only to have considered it. Write "Yes, we considered mediation but the other party declined" or "Yes, we are open to mediation and have asked the other side."

Section B: Mediation

Mediation is a guided discussion with a neutral third party (the mediator) who helps both sides explore settlement without a judge deciding the case. It is faster and cheaper than trial, and a settlement remains confidential.

The court asks: Do you want the case to go to mediation before the trial? You have three options:

1. Yes, I want mediation. You consent to the court ordering mediation before trial. If the other side also consents, the court will pause the case for 4-8 weeks while mediation takes place. If the other side refuses, the court may still make a direction for mediation (though both parties must be willing to participate for it to work).

2. No, I do not want mediation. I want to proceed to trial. You want the case to progress directly to hearing and directions. This is valid, but the judge may later ask you at trial why you did not try to settle.

3. I am open to mediation if the other side agrees. This is the neutral middle ground. It signals willingness without obligating yourself if the other side refuses.

Tactic: If the claim is under £5,000 and the merits are genuinely uncertain, tick "yes" to mediation. Many mediations settle small claims within a single session. If settlement is unlikely, you can still say no, but the court appreciates offers to explore resolution. Some judges view refusal to mediate unfavourably when costs are awarded.

The form asks for the names of proposed mediators or mediating organisations (e.g. Civil Mediation Council, CEDR, Law Society Mediation). Most small claims mediators are volunteers or part-time professionals; the court will suggest providers if you do not name one.

Section C: Trial location

The court asks: Where should the trial be held? Small claims trials are usually held at your local county court. You can request:

• Your local court (nearest your address)
• The court nearest the defendant's address
• The court where the contract was made or the event occurred (for road traffic accidents or property disputes)
• A virtual trial (video link) if circumstances require

Tactic: If you are a litigant in person, request your local court or virtual trial. Travelling to a distant court costs time and money. Virtual trials are now standard; the court can hold your hearing by video link on a single day, with witness statements read beforehand.

If the defendant is in Scotland or Northern Ireland, this case would normally be brought in their local court, but small claims transferred to England must be heard in an English court. State your preference and reason (e.g. "I am based in Manchester and have mobility issues; please hold trial at Manchester County Court or virtual").

Section D: Track allocation

This is crucial. The court asks: Do you agree this case stays in the small claims track (for claims up to £10,000)? Or should it move to the fast track (£10,000-£100,000) or multi-track (over £100,000)?

Small claims track:

• No costs recovery (you pay your own solicitor or go unrepresented)
• Strict timetable (directions usually 6-12 weeks to trial)
• Limited disclosure of documents
• No expert evidence (except in narrow cases, e.g. property surveyors for building disputes)
• Trial in front of a judge or District Judge

Fast track:

• Costs recoverable (winner recovers reasonable solicitor costs from loser)
• Longer timetable (30 weeks to trial)
• Full disclosure of documents
• Expert evidence allowed
• Trial before a judge with formal rules of evidence

If your claim exceeds £10,000 (including interest and costs), or if you need expert evidence and liability is complex, you might argue for fast track allocation. The court will decide, but if you want fast track, tick "No, I do not agree this is small claims" and state your reason: "The claim exceeds £10,000 including interest" or "Expert evidence is essential because liability depends on structural engineering assessment."

Tactic: Unless your claim genuinely exceeds £10,000 or expert evidence is unavoidable, stay in small claims. Fast track costs are higher and the timetable is longer. Small claims are faster and cheaper for most disputes under £8,000.

Section E: Witnesses

The court asks: How many witnesses will you bring to trial? What will they say? You must list:

• Full name and address of each witness
• What they will testify about (1-3 sentences)
• Whether they can attend in person, by video link, or will provide a written statement only

Examples:

• "Jane Smith (15 Oak Lane, Bristol) was present when the contract was discussed. She will confirm the claimant verbally agreed to a 50% deposit, not full payment upfront."

• "Dr Ahmed Hassan (consultant at Westbrook Surgery) treated me after the incident. He will confirm the extent of my injuries and prescribed pain relief."

You do not need witness statements at this stage; you list them on N180 so the court and the other side know who will be called. Written witness statements are usually exchanged 4 weeks before trial.

Common mistake: Not listing a witness on N180, then trying to call them at trial. The other side can object. List everyone you think may testify, even if you later decide not to call them.

Tactic: Limit witnesses to 2-3 who can speak to key facts. Too many witnesses clogs the trial. If a witness is merely reading from documents, you do not need them; send the document itself.

For written statements (statements signed under oath, submitted instead of the witness appearing), you must declare them at this stage. Write: "Written statement from [name]" and confirm whether the other side has agreed. Written statements are faster but less effective than live evidence because the judge cannot see the witness's demeanour or ask follow-up questions.

Section F: Expert evidence

Expert evidence means a surveyor, engineer, accountant, doctor, or other specialist giving an opinion on matters outside the judge's common knowledge.

In small claims, expert evidence is rare and usually not allowed unless:

• A building dispute requires a surveyor's assessment of structural defects
• A personal injury claim requires medical evidence of long-term harm
• A contract dispute turns on professional interpretation (e.g. accountant explaining tax treatment)

If you need an expert, you must have tried to instruct them jointly with the other side (a "single joint expert"). The court will only allow two competing experts if the issues are very complex.

If you do not need expert evidence, write "No" and leave the section blank.

If you do need expert evidence:

• Write the expert's name, qualifications, and field (e.g. "Mr James Wright, Chartered Surveyor, FRICS, specialising in residential property defects")
• Explain why expert evidence is essential (e.g. "The dispute concerns hidden structural defects; professional assessment is necessary to determine the cost of remedial works")
• Confirm whether the expert is instructed jointly with the other side or separately

The court will then decide whether to allow the expert and on what terms.

Section G: Special directions

This section asks: Do you need any special arrangements for the trial? Tick boxes for:

• Interpreter: You do not speak English fluently, or a witness does not. State the language. The court will arrange an interpreter free of charge.

• Video link: You want to appear by video instead of attending court in person. This is now standard and usually granted.

• Assistance with proceedings: You have a disability, mental health condition, or other circumstance requiring access arrangements. Examples: extra time to read documents, court order to allow a carer or support person, written questions only (no oral cross-examination), shorter sitting hours.

• Litigation friend: If you are a minor or lack mental capacity, a litigation friend (a parent, guardian, or court-appointed representative) will conduct the case on your behalf.

• Urgent directions: The case requires urgent resolution (e.g. an injunction to stop the other party acting, or evidence will soon be destroyed). This is rare in small claims and must be justified.

Tactic: Request video link if you have any travel constraint (cost, disability, distance, work conflict). Courts grant video trial requests routinely in small claims.

Section H: Listing

The court asks: When are you available for a 1-2 day trial? Write your availability for the next 4-8 weeks (e.g. "Any time except 5-12 May and 20-25 June"). The court will then set a hearing date within your available window.

Tactic: Be as flexible as possible. The more restricted your availability, the later the trial will be scheduled. If you have genuine conflicts (hospital appointment, work trip), state them; otherwise, offer broad availability.

Statement of truth and signing

At the foot of N180, you must sign a statement of truth: "I believe the facts stated in this form are true." You sign under penalty of perjury. If you lie on N180, you can face criminal charges or the judge can impose costs sanctions.

Therefore, be accurate. If you are uncertain whether a witness will attend, write "We propose to call [name], subject to their availability." If an expert is not yet instructed, write "We are seeking a joint expert on [topic]."

Do not guess or exaggerate. If you list five witnesses but only plan to call two, the other side will expose this at trial and the judge will view you as unreliable.

How to complete tactically

Mediation: If the claim is under £5,000 and you have no strong proof, tick "Yes, I want mediation." If you have clear evidence and liability is straightforward, you can tick "No," but the court appreciates reasonable settlement attempts.

Witnesses: List only witnesses who will say something you cannot prove any other way. If you have a written contract, do not list a witness to confirm its contents; submit the contract itself. If the other side admits a fact in their defence, do not call a witness to prove it.

Track allocation: Stay in small claims unless your claim genuinely exceeds £10,000 or expert evidence is absolutely necessary. Fast track is slower and more expensive for the parties.

Expert evidence: Do not instruct an expert unless the judge is unlikely to understand a key fact without specialist opinion. Building disputes, medical injury claims, and professional negligence cases often need experts. Debt claims and contract disputes rarely do.

Special directions: Request what you genuinely need (interpreter, video link, accessibility). Do not request unnecessary arrangements; the judge will note this and may view it unfavourably.

Deadline: 14 days from receipt

You have 14 days from the date you receive N180 to complete it and return it to the court. The court's covering letter will state the deadline (e.g. "Return by 15 June 2026").

What if you miss the deadline?

• The court may strike out your defence (which means you lose the case by default)
• The court may make directions without your input (disadvantageous to your case)
• The court may extend the deadline if you apply promptly with a good reason

If you realise you will miss the deadline, contact the court immediately by email or telephone and ask for an extension. State your reason (illness, bereavement, work emergency). Most judges will grant a short extension (3-7 days) if you ask in time.

Best practice: Return N180 within 10 days of receipt. This gives you a buffer and shows the court you are organised.

What happens after you return N180

Once both parties have returned N180 (or the deadline passes), the court reviews both forms and issues a Directions Order. This order sets out:

• The trial date and location
• The deadline for witness statements (usually 4 weeks before trial)
• The deadline for exchanging documents (usually 8 weeks before trial)
• Whether mediation will take place and when
• Whether expert evidence is allowed
• Any special arrangements (interpreter, video link, accessibility)

You will receive a copy of the Directions Order by post or email. Read it carefully and mark the deadlines in your calendar. Missing a deadline in the Directions Order can result in your evidence being excluded or your case struck out.

Timeline example:

• 1 May: You receive N180
• 15 May: You return completed N180
• 22 May: Court receives both parties' forms and issues Directions Order
• 22 June: Deadline for exchanging witness statements
• 20 July: Deadline for exchanging documents
• 5 August: Final preparation (trial bundle, skeleton arguments if required)
• 12 August: Trial date (1-2 days)

Common mistakes when completing N180

Mistake 1: Not returning the form at all. The court will strike out your defence and the other side wins. Always return N180 even if you disagree with the other party's answers.

Mistake 2: Listing too many witnesses. You say you will call eight witnesses, then call only three at trial. The judge thinks you are either a liar or unprepared. List only those you will actually call.

Mistake 3: Requesting track allocation to fast track without justification. You say the claim exceeds £10,000, but it is actually £8,500. When the judge reviews the documents, you lose credibility. Only request track change if you have a genuine reason.

Mistake 4: Agreeing to mediation, then refusing to participate. The court orders mediation, but you withdraw at the last moment. The judge asks why you wasted everyone's time. Either genuinely want mediation or say no upfront.

Mistake 5: Ticking every special direction box. You ask for an interpreter, a video link, a litigation friend, urgent directions, and extra sitting hours, but you actually need none of them. The judge views you as unreasonable or dishonest.

Mistake 6: Requesting a distant court because you think it favours you. You live in Bristol but request trial in London because you think a London judge is more sympathetic. The court will note this and may hold it against you. Request your local court or give a genuine reason.

Mistake 7: Writing vague witness descriptions. "John will testify about what happened" is useless. Write: "John Smith witnessed the accident on 5 March 2025. He will confirm the traffic light was red when the defendant's car entered the junction."

Mistake 8: Not declaring an expert upfront, then trying to submit expert evidence at trial. The other side objects, the judge excludes the evidence, and your case is weakened. Declare any expert on N180.

Day to day: Timeline from N180 to hearing

These are typical timings. The court's Directions Order will confirm exact dates.

Common misconceptions

"If I do not return N180, the court cannot proceed." Wrong. The court will make directions without your input, and you will be disadvantaged. Always return N180.

"I should request mediation because the judge expects it." Partly right. The court appreciates settlement attempts, but if you do not want to mediate, say so. A forced, unwilling mediation wastes everyone's time.

"Fast track is better because I recover my costs." Not necessarily. Fast track is longer (30 weeks vs. 12 weeks in small claims) and requires more preparation. You only recover costs if you win, and you still pay your solicitor upfront. In small claims, you represent yourself cheaply or pay a solicitor knowing you cannot recover their fees. Consider the full picture.

"I can add witnesses at trial if I think of them." No. You must list witnesses on N180 or the Directions Order. Adding witnesses at trial risks exclusion and costs against you.

"The judge will prefer expert evidence because it is more professional." No. The judge prefers clear, relevant evidence, whether from an expert or a lay witness. If expert evidence is unnecessary, it wastes time and money.

"If I miss the N180 deadline, I can still file it a week late." The court may accept a late return, but you risk costs sanctions or striking out. Return N180 on time.

Related concepts

• Form N1: Claim Form
• Form N9: Acknowledgement of Service
• Form N9B: Defence
• Small Claims Track: Rules and procedure
• Witness Statements: How to write them
• Expert Evidence in Small Claims
• Civil Mediation: When and how
• Directions Order: What happens next
• Trial Bundle: Preparation checklist
• Costs in Small Claims: What you can recover

Sources

• UK Ministry of Justice: Civil Procedure Rules, Part 26 (Track allocation): https://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/procedure-rules/civil/rules
• UK Courts and Tribunals Judiciary: Guidance on Track Allocation: https://www.gov.uk
• Citizens Advice: Small Claims Court (England and Wales): https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk
• UK Civil Procedure Rules, Practice Direction 8A (Mediation and other forms of ADR): https://www.justice.gov.uk
• HM Courts and Tribunals Service: Form N180 Directions Questionnaire: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information about UK Form N180 and is not legal advice. Court procedures vary by jurisdiction and individual cases. If you need advice on your specific situation, consult a qualified solicitor or barrister, or contact Citizens Advice.

Written by Peter Kolomiets, founder of CaseCalm. UK content reviewed 2026-05-28.