Resource hub · Factsheet

Interim Applications in Civil Court Cases

Key information for litigants in person

Civil claims · Factsheet 11 of 17

What is an Interim Application?

  • Request to court after claim start, before trial
  • Common reasons:
    • Amend claim
    • Include new witness/expert evidence
    • Request action from other party
  • Use only when necessary – courts prefer parties to resolve issues without court intervention
  • Court fees: £321 for an application on notice, £126 by consent or without notice (where no other fee is specified)

Before Making an Application

  • 1. Try informal communication with other party
  • 2. Attempt to agree on changes (if applicable)
  • 3. Consider consent order if both parties agree
  • 4. Keep records of all communication attempts
  • 5. Be aware of 28-day extension limit for most case management steps
  • 6. Note: Changes to pre-trial checklist date or trial date always require court application

How to Make an Application

  • 1. Use Form N244 (Application Notice)
  • 2. Write in plain English – no legal jargon needed
  • 3. Pay required court fee (see Form EX50 for fees)
  • 4. Lower fee for applications by consent
  • 5. No fee for agreed trial postponement if requested 14+ days before hearing
  • 6. Be prepared to justify your request, especially for trial date changes
  • 7. Provide supporting evidence if applicable

Cost Implications

  • Always cost consequences for applications
  • If application fails, usually pay other side’s costs
  • Applications by consent typically result in:
    • 1. Only paying own costs, or
    • 2. Paying reduced costs of other side
  • Refer to rule 44.2 of the General Rules about Costs (CPR Part 44) for common cost orders and their effects
  • Consider potential costs before applying

Tips for Success

  • 1. Exhaust all informal options before making an application
  • 2. Keep detailed records of all attempts to resolve the issue
  • 3. Be clear and concise in your application – state exactly what you want and why
  • 4. Provide strong justification, especially for changes to court dates
  • 5. Consider the cost implications carefully before proceeding
  • 6. Seek agreement from the other party whenever possible
  • 7. Be prepared to explain how your request will help progress the case efficiently
  • 8. If unsure, seek advice from a legal professional or court support service
Reviewed
August 2026
Source
Download this factsheet as a PDF 11-Interim-applications-how-to-ask-a-civil-court-to-do-something.pdf · 1 page

The PDF is retained as historical material: it shows a superseded fee (£250+) and a mis-numbered costs-rule citation (“rule 4.2”). The current fees are £321 for an application on notice and £126 by consent or without notice, and the citation is CPR 44.2. Checked against gov.uk (EX50) and the CPR on 6 August 2026.

Related
Navigating Interim Applications in UK Civil Courts: A Guide for Litigants in Person

If a factsheet is not enough

A factsheet explains how a process works. It cannot tell you what to do in your own matter — that turns on facts only a person reading your papers can establish.

Get my free written assessment

Or go back to all 25 factsheets

Factsheets are free to every reader. If this one helped you, you can support Legal Lens.

Disclaimer: This factsheet provides general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws may vary and change over time. Consult a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. See the terms of use.