The primary difference between the N244 and N245 court form in debt
The primary difference between the N244 and N245 forms in the UK County Court system is that Form N244 is a general application used for various court requests (including setting aside a judgment), while Form N245 is a specialized, simpler application used specifically to vary payment terms or suspend a warrant.
Here is a detailed breakdown of the differences:
Form N244: General Application Notice
Purpose: Used to ask the court to make, change, or set aside a court order (e.g., CCJ).
Common Uses:
Set aside (cancel) a County Court Judgment (CCJ): If you didn't receive the papers, or have a valid defense.
Stop an eviction/bailiff action: To ask for a hearing to stop a warrant of possession.
Vary a court-set payment: If a judge ordered a payment rate you cannot afford.
Process: Often triggers a court hearing.
Cost: Higher fee, generally around £313 (or £123 if by consent).
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Form N245: Application to Vary or Suspend
Purpose: Used specifically to change the payment terms of a CCJ, or to suspend a warrant, when you cannot afford the current instalment plan.
Common Uses:
Vary payment terms: To reduce the monthly amount of a CCJ, provided the payment rate was not previously set by a judge at a hearing.
Suspend a warrant of control: To stop bailiffs from taking goods if you can make a new, lower payment offer.
Process: Usually handled by a court officer without a hearing.
Cost: Lower fee, currently £50.
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