N11 — Defence Form (General)
The general-purpose form used to dispute a county court claim. Some claim types have their own claim-specific defence form which should be used instead — for example N11R for a claim for possession of a rented property, or N11M to respond to a mortgage lender's claim against you.
This is a reference summary, not the official form (N11).
Do not file this page. Always download and submit the current official form from the issuing authority.
Who uses this form
Defendants who have been served with a county court claim and want to dispute it, where the court has not sent (and the claim type does not have) its own specific defence form.
When to use it
Use N11 to dispute most kinds of court claim. If the court sends you a claim-specific defence form instead — most commonly form N11R for a claim for possession of a rented property, or N11M to respond to a mortgage lender's claim against you — use that form, not the general N11.
Where to file
Return to the court address shown on the claim form.
Court fee
No court fee payable.
Common mistakes to avoid
Using the general N11 when the claim type has its own specific defence form — a claim for possession of a rented property uses form N11R, not N11
If you were sent form N11R, missing the 14-day deadline to return it after receiving it from the court
Leaving the statement of truth section unsigned
Sending the completed defence to the claimant instead of filing it with the court
Related Guides
Related Letter Templates
Official source
Download / view form on GOV.UK or HMCTSAlways download forms directly from official government sources. Third-party copies may be outdated.