When can I apply for default judgment?

After 14 days from the date the defendant was served (deemed served on the second business day after MCOL posts the claim). If they have filed an Acknowledgment of Service, you have to wait 28 days from service.

Online via your MCOL dashboard — free, takes about 5 minutes. For paper claims, file Form N225 at the issuing court with no fee. The judgment is entered automatically; no hearing.

What does the judgment include?

Your principal claim + interest to the date of judgment + the issue fee. The court adds these up and enters judgment for the total. You don’t need to provide further proof at this stage.

What if the defendant tries to set it aside?

They can apply under CPR 13. The court can set aside default judgment if the defendant has a real prospect of successfully defending OR if there is some other good reason. They have to apply promptly. You’ll be served the application and can object.

What do I do after I have the judgment?

Send it to the defendant with a polite letter giving 14 days to pay direct. If no payment, choose an enforcement method: warrant of control (most common, £83), attachment of earnings if they’re employed (£132), charging order on their property (£132), third-party debt order on their bank account (£132), or oral examination to find out what they own (£63).

Defendant ignored your claim? Apply for default judgment.

When and how to apply for default judgment if the defendant ignores your small claim. The 14-day deadline, the form, and what the judgment includes.

Wait for the deadline to pass.
Service date plus 14 days (or 28 if AOS filed). Don’t apply early — the court will reject it.
Apply online via MCOL
(free) or by Form N225 for paper claims (free).
The court enters judgment
for principal + interest + fee. Usually within 1–2 working days.
Send the judgment to the defendant
with a polite 14-day demand to pay direct.
Five methods. Warrant of control is the fastest and most common.