Appealing a County Court Decision You Think Is Wrong: Form N161
To appeal a county court decision, file Form N161 (the appellant’s notice) within 21 days of the decision, unless the court set a different date. Here’s how.
Court Procedure & Appeals
Free, plain-English guides to court procedure and appeals in England and Wales — trial bundles, Part 36 offers, consent orders and permission to appeal.
Procedure decides more cases than most people expect, and none of it is out of reach for a litigant in person. These guides cover permission to appeal under CPR Part 52 for civil appeals, taking a case to the Upper Tribunal, and recording a settlement in a consent order. There are also practical walkthroughs on making a Part 36 offer with real costs consequences, preparing a trial bundle the judge can navigate, applying to set aside a default judgment, without-prejudice letters, legal chronologies, court fees and how to conduct yourself at a hearing.
Tribunal routes are covered too — SEND Tribunal appeals, EHC plan reviews, Mental Health Tribunal reviews and planning appeals to the Planning Inspectorate — along with what to expect when facing a represented opponent or a public body. Starting a claim rather than appealing one? Begin with our complete Money Claim Online walkthrough.
This is self-help guidance, not legal advice. Every guide is free to read — and when you’re ready, Chris can help you draft your own documents to a professional standard, in minutes.
How to Set Aside a Default Judgment With Form N244
To set aside a default judgment you file form N244, and the court weighs whether you have a real prospect of defending and whether you applied promptly.
Planning Appeal: Householder & Enforcement Appeals (Planning Inspectorate) (2026 Guide)
Planning permission refused, or hit with an enforcement notice? Appeal to the Planning Inspectorate within the deadline. Chris drafts your case.
CPR Part 52 — Civil Appeals Permission Guide 2026
CPR 52 permission to appeal — real prospect test, second-tier test, Denton extensions, TWM, Taylor v Lawrence.
Upper Tribunal Appeal — 2026 Guide
Upper Tribunal appeals — four chambers, error of law, permission, set aside/re-make/remit, onward to CoA.
EHC Plan Annual Review — 2026 Parents’ Guide
EHC Plan annual review — 12-month cycle, reports, Working Document, 4-week decision, appeal routes, phase transfer.
Mental Health Tribunal — s.3 Detention Review 2026 Guide
Mental Health Tribunal — s.2, s.3, CTO, discharge test, family witness statements, legal aid, Article 5.
SEND Tribunal Appeal — 2026 EHC Plan Guide
SEND Tribunal appeal — refuse assess, refuse plan, Sections B/F/I, quantified provision, placement, mediation.
Consent Order: Recording Settlement with the Court (2026 Guide)
How to draft a consent order in 2026 — civil and family. Recitals, schedules, Tomlin orders. Chris drafts it to a professional standard.
Without Prejudice Letters: Settlement Correspondence (2026 Guide)
How without prejudice letters work in 2026. Rules, Calderbank offers, and when privilege fails. Chris drafts them to CPR standard.
How to Prepare a Legal Chronology for Court (2026 Guide)
How to prepare a legal chronology for court in 2026. Tabular format, material events, CPR and PD 27A rules. Chris drafts it to a professional standard.
Trial Bundle: How to Prepare Court Bundles (2026 Guide)
How to prepare a trial bundle in 2026. Paginate, index and bookmark to PD 39A. Chris drafts index and chronology to CPR standard.
Facing a Represented Opponent: How to Prepare as a Litigant in Person
By the eLitigant Editorial Team · Reviewed for current forms, fees & procedure · How we check our guides Draft
Court Etiquette: How to Conduct Yourself at a Court Hearing
By the eLitigant Editorial Team · Reviewed for current forms, fees & procedure · How we check our guides Draft
Set Aside a Default Judgment: CPR 13.2, CPR 13.3 and Form N244
By the eLitigant Editorial Team · Reviewed for current forms, fees & procedure · How we check our guides Where
Part 36 Offers Explained: Settlement Strategy in Civil Litigation
By the eLitigant Editorial Team · Reviewed for current forms, fees & procedure · How we check our guides Draft
Court Fees Explained: What It Costs to Go to Court in England & Wales
By the eLitigant Editorial Team · Reviewed for current forms, fees & procedure · How we check our guides Draft
How to Prepare a Court Evidence Bundle: A Complete Guide
By the eLitigant Editorial Team · Reviewed for current forms, fees & procedure · How we check our guides Draft
The Defence Has Landed: What to Do Next in Your County Court Claim
By the eLitigant Editorial Team · Reviewed for current forms, fees & procedure · How we check our guides Draft