Independent, practical help for litigants in person in England & Wales.
26 articles · All articles
Written by John Barwell
A defence is rarely the end of the exchange. This guide explains CPR Part 20 for litigants in person: what counts as an additional claim, when a defendant can counterclaim without permission, the contribution and indemnity notice route, the permission and service rules for other additional claims, and how to respond when one lands against you.
Written by John Barwell
Two applications can end a civil case before it ever reaches trial. This guide explains the difference between strike out under CPR rule 3.4 — including the new SLAPP ground — and summary judgment under Part 24, the notice and evidence deadlines both sides must meet, and how a litigant in person can resist an application or use the same procedure against a hopeless claim or defence.
Written by John Barwell
The court will not collect your judgment for you. This guide walks through the four main enforcement routes for litigants in person — goods, wages, savings and property — with the current court fees and the thresholds that decide which route is realistic for your debtor.
Written by John Barwell
Missed a directions deadline? The sanction takes effect automatically, and the way back is an application for relief from sanctions under CPR 3.9. This guide follows one worked breach – a late witness statement – through the three Denton stages, the application notice and the witness statement in support, and explains why it is a different remedy from setting aside a default judgment.
Written by John Barwell
A County Court judgment can move from court procedure into financial life. This Legal Lens article explains why a CCJ is not one simple thing, and why judgment, registration, credit consequences, payment, satisfaction, cancellation, set aside, variation and stay are different legal routes with different effects.
Written by John Barwell
Civil procedure · Default judgment · Set aside A court judgment does not always follow a trial. Sometimes it follows silence. Default judgment is the procedural moment where a missed response can become judgment before the facts are tested, and the defendant’s first task may no longer be to defend the claim, but to explain … Continue reading “Default judgment: when silence becomes a judgment before the facts are heard”
Written by John Barwell
The submission of evidence directly to a judge by opposing counsel during proceedings, particularly without formal request or disclosure, poses significant legal and ethical issues that can compromise the fairness and integrity of the judicial process, especially in online UK court proceedings.
Written by John Barwell
Vexatious conduct involves disruptive behaviour in legal proceedings aimed at undermining justice, and claimants can avoid falling into this trap by maintaining composure, careful communication, and professional conduct.
Written by John Barwell
Navigate the complexities of UK civil litigation with insights into witness statements and expert reports, essential for building a strong case and ensuring success.
Written by John Barwell
Navigating civil litigation in the UK hinges on accurately identifying the defendant. This guide outlines essential strategies to ensure you pursue the right party effectively.
