Cover Letter — Acknowledgement of Service (Intention to Defend)
Cover letter accompanying Form N9 acknowledging service of a claim and stating intention to defend, preserving the right to file a full Defence.
This template was not drafted by a solicitor.
It is an editorial reference based on the official sources we cite. You are responsible for any document you send. For high-stakes matters (court proceedings, large sums, deportation, criminal allegations, child welfare), have a regulated solicitor review or draft your document.
When to use this template
Use this letter when you have received a claim form and wish to acknowledge service to prevent a default judgment, while preserving your right to file a Defence within 28 days of service of the Particulars of Claim. This buys you additional time beyond the initial 14-day period for acknowledging service.
When NOT to use this template
Do not use if you intend to admit the claim in full — use Form N9A (Admission) instead. Do not use if the deadline for acknowledging service has already passed without prior court permission. If you dispute the court's jurisdiction, file a separate application under CPR Part 11 rather than a standard acknowledgement.
Legal Basis
CPR Part 10 (acknowledgement of service) and CPR Part 15 (defence and reply). A defendant who acknowledges service has 28 days from service of the Particulars of Claim (rather than 14 days) to file a Defence. CPR r.10.3 sets out the time for filing an acknowledgement of service.
Before you send
- Failing to file Form N9 with the court — this letter alone is not sufficient; the form must be filed at court
- Missing the 14-day deadline for acknowledging service, which allows the claimant to apply for default judgment
- Not specifying an address for service in England and Wales, which is required under CPR r.10.5
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Failing to file Form N9 with the court — this letter alone is not sufficient; the form must be filed at court
- ✗Missing the 14-day deadline for acknowledging service, which allows the claimant to apply for default judgment
- ✗Not specifying an address for service in England and Wales, which is required under CPR r.10.5
- ✗Assuming acknowledgement extends to a 28-day Defence deadline from the date of acknowledgement — the 28 days runs from service of Particulars of Claim
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Letter preview
[YOUR FULL NAME / FIRM NAME] [YOUR ADDRESS] [YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS] [DATE OF LETTER] [CLAIMANT'S SOLICITORS / CLAIMANT'S NAME] [CLAIMANT'S SOLICITORS' ADDRESS] --- Dear [SALUTATION], **[CLAIMANT'S FULL NAME] v [DEFENDANT'S FULL NAME]** **Claim Number: [CLAIM NUMBER]** I am writing in connection with the above proceedings. My client, [DEFENDANT'S FULL NAME], was served with the Claim Form on **[DATE CLAIM FORM WAS SERVED]**. **Acknowledgement of Service** Please be aware that my client has today filed at the [NAME OF COURT] a completed Form N9 (Acknowledgement of Service), indicating an intention to defend this claim in full. **Address for Service** My client's address for service for the purpose of these proceedings is: [ADDRESS FOR SERVICE IN ENGLAND AND WALES] All further documents and correspondence in connection with these proceedings should be directed to the above address. **Defence** My client's Defence will be filed at court and served upon you within 28 days of service of the Particulars of Claim, that is, by no later than **[DEFENCE FILING DEADLINE (28 DAYS FROM SERVICE OF PARTICULARS)]**, pursuant to CPR r.15.4(1)(b). **Extension of Time** [EXTENSION OF TIME REQUEST (IF APPLICABLE)] **Jurisdiction / Preliminary Points** [ANY PRELIMINARY POINTS OR RESERVATIONS] My client reserves all rights in these proceedings, including the right to challenge the jurisdiction of this court, to bring a counterclaim, and to seek its costs. Please acknowledge receipt of this letter. Yours faithfully, [YOUR FULL NAME / FIRM NAME]
Unfilled fields appear as [FIELD NAME]. Review the letter carefully before sending. This template is a starting point — adapt it to your specific circumstances.