Interactive decision tree
Please use our interactive tool to understand more about the criminal and civil justice systems and how the two systems can interact. It outlines the main steps, and has been specifically created with the individuals and smaller business victim in mind.
Please carefully read about the main differences between the criminal and civil justice systems before using the decision tree.
Civil proceedings
DEFAULT JUDGMENT
If the defendant does not acknowledge service or defend the claim form within 14 days of service, or acknowledges service but does not defend the claim within 28 days of service, then it is possible to obtain default judgment for the amount claimed, as well as interest and some fixed costs. The above periods are often longer when the defendant is out of the UK jurisdiction.
Default judgment can be requested by filling in a form, either by post or – if the claim was started online – online.