A directions questionnaire is a form the court sends to both parties if a defendant files a defence in a civil claim. It helps the court decide how to handle your case and what happens next. In small claims, this is form N180.
When do you get one?
You receive a directions questionnaire after:
- You filed a court claim
- The defendant filed a defence (they're disputing it)
- The Court needs to decide how to proceed
If the defendant doesn't respond to your claim, you should apply default judgment instead and no questionnaire is needed. Likewise, if the defendant pays the claim or admits it using an Admission form, no questionnaire is needed.
What does it ask?
The directions questionnaire (N180 for small claims) covers:
Settlement and mediation
- It provides details of the compulsory mediation on the small claims track.
- You have to enter the details of who will attend the mediation and when that person is available.
Tip: Courts expect you to try mediation for small claims, and nowadays it is mandatory. Say yes to the free Small Claims Mediation Service unless there's a good reason not to.
Track allocation
- Do you agree this is a small claims case?
- Should it be allocated to a different track?
Small claims: Up to £10,000 for debt claims
Fast track: £10,000 - £25,000
Intermediate track: £25,000 - £100,000
Multi-track: Over £100,000 or complex cases
Tip: If you have a debt claim for up to £10,000 it is a good idea to say you agree the case is suitable for the small claims track. The Court will likely allocate it to that track in any event.
Suitability for determination without a hearing
- Some cases are so simple there is no need even for a hearing.
- For example, if there is no realistic defence pleaded, or the defence is incoherent, or both parties agree
Tip: If there are any disputed facts, the Court will usually order a hearing. You should only ask for the case to be decided without a hearing if the case is incontrovertible.
Witnesses
- How many witnesses will you call?
- Do any need special arrangements?
For most debt claims, you may be your only witness. You don't usually need others unless there's a factual dispute.
Experts
- Do you need an expert witness?
- Have both parties agreed to use the same expert?
For small claims: Expert evidence is rarely allowed. The informal nature of small claims means you usually present your own evidence and the Court rarely needs expert evidence to decide the case.
Hearing requirements
- How long do you think the hearing will take?
- Any dates you can't attend?
- Do you need any special facilities?
Tip: Small claims hearings typically last 1-2 hours. This is all the time the Court can usually offer. Be realistic.
Documents
- Do you have all the documents you need to prove your case?
- Are there documents the other party has that you need to prove your case?
How to complete it
Be honest: Don't exaggerate or mislead.
Be practical: Courts want cases resolved efficiently.
Meet the deadline for filing the directions questionnaire: Usually 14 days. Missing it can result in your claim being struck out.
Keep copies: Of everything you submit.
Common mistakes
Ignoring it: If you don't return the questionnaire, the court can strike out your claim.
Refusing mediation without reason: Courts expect parties to try mediation. Unreasonable refusal can affect costs decisions.
Asking for too long a hearing: Be realistic. A simple debt claim doesn't need a full day.
Forgetting dates you're unavailable: If you don't mention a holiday, you might get a hearing date you can't attend.
What happens after you submit it?
The court reviews both parties' questionnaires and:
- Allocates the case to the appropriate track (small claims, fast, intermediate or multi)
- Offers mediation through the Small Claims Mediation Service
- Sets directions (timetable for exchanging documents, evidence)
- Lists a hearing date if mediation fails or is refused
For small claims, the process is simpler than higher tracks. There's usually:
- A mediation
- If that fails, a hearing date
- Simple directions about exchanging documents
Mediation in small claims
The Small Claims Mediation Service is:
- Free (included in your court fee)
- Quick (usually a telephone appointment)
- Confidential (nothing said can be used in court if it fails)
- Effective (many cases settle)
If both parties agree to mediation, a mediator will call you both and try to find a solution. If it works, the case is resolved. If not, it proceeds to a hearing.
Timeline
| Event | Typical timing |
|---|---|
| Defence filed | Day 0 |
| Directions questionnaire sent | Within days |
| Deadline to return | 14 days |
| Mediation (if agreed) | 2-6 weeks |
| Hearing (if needed) | Many months (varies by court) |
How Garfield helps
When a defendant files a defence, Garfield:
- Alerts you immediately
- Helps you understand what the defence alleges
- Guides you through the directions questionnaire
- Tracks all deadlines
- Prepares you for mediation or hearing
Most claims through Garfield don't reach this stage - they're either paid or settled earlier. But when they do, we support you through it.