Defending a claim issued against you (Ipswich County Court and Family Hearing Centre)

If someone has issued a money claim against you that will be heard at Ipswich County Court and Family Hearing Centre, the response pack includes Form N9. You have 14 days from service of the particulars of claim to send a defence - or to acknowledge service first, which extends the deadline to 28 days. Ignore it and default judgment is entered against you automatically.

Acknowledging service vs defending

If you need time, file the acknowledgment of service (Form N9 route) to buy the extension, then draft the defence properly. A defence must say which parts of the claim you admit, which you deny, and why - paragraph by paragraph against the particulars. Facts only: a defence is not the place for grievance, and it is signed with the same statement of truth and CPR 32.14 contempt risk.

After the defence is filed

The court sends both parties a Notice of Allocation - for claims under £10,000 that is normally the small claims track - and the same evidence and mediation timetable described on this site applies to you as defendant. Prepare your witness statement and exhibits with the same discipline as a claimant would.

Checklist

• Diary the 14-day deadline from service
• Acknowledge service (extends to 28 days) if needed
• Defence answers the particulars paragraph by paragraph
• Statement of truth signed; copies kept

Official sources and related pages

• Notice of allocation explained
• Claim issue fees and the process

Court details (verified register data)

• Court: Ipswich County Court and Family Hearing Centre
• Court code: 233
• Address: 8 Arcade Street, Ipswich, Ipswich, IP1 1EJ
• Phone: 0300 123 5577; 0300 303 0642; 0330 808 4424
• Civil filing email: enquiries.norwich.countycourt@justice.gov.uk
• DX: DX 97385 Norwich 5 -Civil
• Public counter hours: Monday to Friday, 8.30 am to 4pm
• Document drop-box: Not published in the register - confirm with the court directly
• Hearing format: Not published in the register - confirm with the court directly
• Facilities: disabled access, hearing loop, interview rooms, baby changing, GovWiFi

Source: https://www.find-court-tribunal.service.gov.uk/courts/ipswich-county-court-and-family-hearing-centre. Verified 2026-09-04. Always confirm against the official court finder before travelling.

Free national support

• Support Through Court: 0300 081 0000 - free, independent support for litigants without a lawyer
• Citizens Advice consumer service: 0808 223 1133 - consumer disputes, pre-claim guidance
• HMCTS general enquiries: 0300 123 7050 - finding the right court or money claim centre

This page is general information about County Court procedure, not legal advice, and it is not provided by HMCTS or any court. Procedures and fees change - always confirm against the official sources linked here before you act.

>Small Claims Court Help is an independent information directory. It is not affiliated with HMCTS, the Ministry of Justice, or any court.

Reviewed by Sean McNamara, 2026-09-04.