County Court Claims Explained
A county court claim looks alarming but it is a civil process with clear steps and deadlines. Responding properly is what matters most.
By JayFounder, ParkingHero Updated 19 August 2026 8 min readImportant: Respond to a claim form within 14 days (or file an acknowledgement for 28) to avoid a default CCJ.
1. How a claim starts
You receive a claim form from the County Court Business Centre with a claim number and response pack. Deadlines run from the date of service.
2. Filing your defence
Acknowledge service, then file a defence setting out the facts: signage, POFA compliance, grace periods, added costs and anything else in dispute.
Top TipKeep your defence factual and numbered — it makes the hearing far easier.
3. The small claims hearing
Most cases are allocated to the small claims track. Costs recovery is limited, hearings are informal, and you can represent yourself.
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