N9B — Defence and Counterclaim (Specified Amount)
Allows a defendant to formally deny all or part of a money claim and, if appropriate, make a counterclaim against the claimant.
This is a reference summary, not the official form (N9B).
Do not file this page. Always download and submit the current official form from the issuing authority.
Who uses this form
Defendants served with an N1 claim form who dispute the claim (fully or partly) or who have their own claim against the claimant.
When to use it
Return within 14 days of service of the claim form, or 28 days if you have filed an acknowledgment of service (N9). For a counterclaim, pay the issue fee for the counterclaim amount.
Where to file
Return to the court address on the claim form. Serve a copy on the claimant at the same time.
Time limit / deadline
14 days from service of the claim form (or 28 days if acknowledgment of service filed within 14 days).
Court fee
Free to file a defence. Counterclaim fee is the same scale as an N1 claim based on the counterclaim value.
Fee remission
Help with Fees (EX160) applies to the counterclaim issue fee.
Common mistakes to avoid
Missing the 14-day deadline without filing an acknowledgment of service first — default judgment may be entered
Writing a vague defence such as 'I dispute the claim' without stating why
Not serving a copy of the defence on the claimant at the same time as filing
Forgetting to sign the statement of truth
Failing to pay the counterclaim fee if making a counterclaim
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 Third-party copies may be outdated.