Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Key definition

Filing definition

What does Filing mean? Filing is the act of submitting a document to a court, tribunal or relevant registry so it becomes part of the official record for a case or application. In litigation, it is the delivery by a party or prospective party of documents such as a claim form, defence, evidence or application notice to the court office, increasingly via electronic filing. The concept is governed by procedural rules rather than a single statute. In England and Wales, the Civil Procedure Rules define how and when to file (including e‑filing systems). Northern Ireland follows the Rules of the Court of Judicature. In...

Filing a Defence under CPR Parts 7, 8 and 15: deadlines, extensions, default risks, and counterclaims and additional claims (England and Wales)

Published by a LexisNexis Dispute Resolution expert

Practice notes

This Practice Note explains the key points to consider when preparing to file a defence to a claim issued under CPR 7. It addresses the defendant’s obligation to submit a defence, the applicable time limits (including potential extensions), and the implications of failing to file on time. It also highlights further points to bear in mind when lodging the defence where counterclaims or additional claims are pursued. For drafting support, see Practice Notes: Drafting the defence—formalities and Drafting the defence—drafting tips. For service requirements, see Practice Note: serving the defence. This Practice Note guides the interpretation and application of the relevant provisions of the Civil Procedure Rules. Depending on the court hearing the matter, additional provisions may apply; for details, see: Court specific guidance.

Requirement to file a defence

Claims under CPR 7

A defendant must file a defence if they intend to contest all or part of the claim (CPR 15.2). Where an admission is proposed, consult Practice Note: Admissions...

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

Web page updated on 21/05/2026

Popular documents

Using the Judicial College Guidelines to assess general damages in personal injury claims

When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...

Tomlin orders in England and Wales: CPR guidance on drafting, confidentiality, approval, variation, enforcement, limitation, CCA issues, court-specific requirements, sample wording and precedents

This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...

Precedent: Deed of Surrender of Lease with Optional Premium, Settlement and Release, Landlord, Mortgagee and Guarantor Consents, Reimbursement and HM Land Registry Provisions (England and Wales)

Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...

Precedent Statutory Declaration: Standard Wording under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835

I, [ name ], of [ address ], solemnly and sincerely state that: [ Matters to be verified, set out in numbered paragraphs ] I make this solemn statement in good conscience, believing it to be true, and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. DECLARED at [ details ] this [ day ] day of [ month and year ] Before me ................................................................................ [ signature of the person before whom the declaration is made ] A [ commissioner for oaths OR [ solicitor OR [ insert other qualification ] ] authorised to administer oaths ]...