CCJ Set-Aside Witness Statement
Outline witness statement supporting an application to set aside a default County Court Judgment under CPR 13.
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
A default CCJ has been entered against you and you want it set aside on the merits (CPR 13.3) or because it was wrongly entered (CPR 13.2).
When NOT to use this template
Before consulting a solicitor for complex matters; if the judgment is more than a year old without a good explanation for the delay; if you have already paid the judgment.
Legal Basis
Civil Procedure Rules Part 13.
Before you send
- Failing to act promptly — delay weighs against the application under CPR 13.3(2)
- Not setting out a real prospect of successfully defending the claim
- Failing to apply on the correct form (N244) with a fee or fee remission
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✗Failing to act promptly — delay weighs against the application under CPR 13.3(2)
- ✗Not setting out a real prospect of successfully defending the claim
- ✗Failing to apply on the correct form (N244) with a fee or fee remission
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Letter preview
IN THE COUNTY COURT MONEY CLAIMS CENTRE Claim No: [COURT CLAIM NUMBER] BETWEEN: [CLAIMANT'S NAME] (Claimant) and [YOUR NAME] (Defendant) WITNESS STATEMENT OF [YOUR NAME] I, [YOUR NAME], of [YOUR ADDRESS], will say as follows: 1. I am the defendant in this claim. The facts set out in this statement are within my own knowledge save where otherwise stated. 2. I respectfully apply to set aside the default judgment entered against me on [DATE JUDGMENT WAS ENTERED] pursuant to CPR 13.2 and/or 13.3. Grounds for set aside 3. [GROUNDS FOR SET-ASIDE (CPR 13.2 MUST, CPR 13.3 MAY)] Real prospect of successful defence 4. [OUTLINE OF YOUR DEFENCE] Delay (if any) and explanation 5. [WHY ANY DELAY WAS REASONABLE] Other matters the court is invited to consider 6. [OTHER MATTERS (SETTLEMENT OFFERS, CONDUCT)] Statement of truth I believe that the facts stated in this witness statement are true. I understand that proceedings for contempt of court may be brought against anyone who makes, or causes to be made, a false statement in a document verified by a statement of truth without an honest belief in its truth. Signed: ___________________________ Name: [YOUR NAME] Date: [DATE OF STATEMENT]
Unfilled fields appear as [FIELD NAME]. Review the letter carefully before sending. This template is a starting point — adapt it to your specific circumstances.