When will the forms be available from the courts?

   Can I get the forms from anywhere else?

   Can I change the layout of the forms on the website?

   May I set up the forms on my own office systems?

   If I have to follow the layout of printed forms, do I also have to reproduce them (where applicable) in colour and double sided?

   What has happened to the forms not subject of any major change?

  How can I obtain further help or information about the forms?


When will the forms be available from the courts?

The forms have now been distributed to the courts. Litigants may obtain the forms from the court and use them before the 26th April in circumstances where they are to be returned on or after that date. They are also available for information purposes.

Can I get the forms from anywhere else?

The forms are available on the Court Service website. They are interactive and may be downloaded from the website.

Can I change the layout of the forms on the website?

No.

May I set up the forms on my own office system?

Yes, provided you have a licence from HMSO. The contact at HMSO is Ian Quarterman - you may phone him (01603-723007), fax him (01603-723000) or e-mail him.

Your office-produced form should follow the same lines format as the Court Service printed form in terms of what it contains and also the general format. It is important to ensure that, for example, the defendant's name and address box remains in the same place on your claim form so that the court can send it in a window envelope.

HMSO will also be able to advise you on reproducing the Royal Coat of Arms.

If I have to follow the layout of printed forms, do I also have to reproduce them (where applicable) in colour and double sided?

While this would be helpful, it is not essential.

The aim of producing some of the forms in colour is to ensure that those subject to a strict timetable (eg. the allocation questionnaire) are readily identifiable.

What has happened to forms not subject to any major change?

They have been reprinted with 'minor' amendments such as changing 'plaintiff' to 'claimant' to bring them in line with the Civil Procedure Rules.

A Practice Direction will shortly be published as a supplement to Part 4 of the Rules listing the forms to be used.

How can I obtain further help or information about the forms?

Contact the Court Service's Civil Justice Reforms Helpline on 0171-210 1999 or e- mail the Court Service's Customer Service Unit.


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