42.03  Appearance And Defence: Debt Claim

What this form is for

• • Use this form when you've received a court summons for a debt claim
• • Use it to formally dispute the debt amount or validity
• • Use it to request alternative payment arrangements
• • Use it when you need more time to gather evidence or seek advice
• • Don't use this form for new debt claims—use the appropriate claim form instead

Use this form or another form?

Deadline or filing window

You must file this form within 10 days of receiving the court summons for most debt claims, though some cases may allow up to 15 days—check your specific summons.

Before you submit

• • Verify you're using the latest version of Form 42.03
• • Complete all required sections
• • Include your case number from the summons
• • Attach supporting evidence if mentioned
• • Keep a copy for your records
• • Consider serving a copy on the plaintiff
• • Check that your signature is dated
• • Verify submission deadline hasn't passed

How to file this form

1. 1Obtain the correct Form 42.03 from the Courts Service website or court office
2. 2Complete the form with your personal details and case information
3. 3Write your defense clearly in the designated sections
4. 4Sign and date the completed form
5. 5Submit to the appropriate court office by the deadline
6. 6Pay any required court fees
7. 7Keep a copy of your filed form for your records

Known limitations

• • This form only responds to existing debt claims—it doesn't initiate new proceedings
• • It may not be suitable for complex commercial debt disputes
• • The form doesn't automatically stop collection actions
• • It doesn't provide legal advice—consider consulting a solicitor for complex cases
• • The court may reject improperly completed forms