STAGE 3 · RESPONDING TO A CLAIM

Turn the Claim Against You Into a Clear, Structured Response

Received a court claim about property-repair or maintenance work? We help organise your version of events, respond to the allegations clearly and prepare a professional draft Defence—or an agreed Defence and Counterclaim—for you to check and submit.

UNDERSTAND THE STAGE

What Happens at the Defence Stage?

A Defence is your opportunity to respond formally to the claimant’s case. It should deal with the allegations made, explain what you admit or deny and set out your version where it differs.

If you believe the claimant also owes you money, you may want to bring a Counterclaim. A Counterclaim is a separate claim and may involve an additional court fee.

Check the response date on the claim or court notice immediately. You remain responsible for meeting every deadline.

HOW WE CAN HELP

Build a Focused Response to the Claim

Break Down the Allegations

We organise the claimant’s case into the individual points that require your response.

Present Your Account

We structure your chronology, payment position and response using the facts and evidence you provide.

Prepare the Draft

We prepare a Defence or agreed combined Defence and Counterclaim for your check, with one reasonable amendment.

One £50 stage includes review of the claim papers and agreed evidence, one prepared document and one reasonable amendment. We will arrange a call if needed.

WHAT YOU RECEIVE

A Prepared Response and Clear Handover

  • A structured draft addressing the claimant’s allegations
  • A concise chronology and payment position
  • One Defence or agreed Defence and Counterclaim document
  • A list of important information still missing
  • A practical next-step checklist
  • One reasonable amendment
WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

Send the Complete Claim Papers

  • The complete Claim Form and Particulars of Claim
  • The claim number, court details and exact party names
  • The response deadline shown in the documents
  • Your short chronology and response to each allegation
  • The quotation, contract, invoices and payment records
  • Key messages, photographs, reports and correspondence
  • If counterclaiming, the facts, amount and calculation
WHY USE TDD?

Make the Response Easier to Follow

  • Respond systematically: address the allegations in a logical order.
  • Keep the document focused: explain your position without reproducing every argument.
  • Present dates and figures consistently: bring the chronology and disputed amount together.
  • Stay in control: you choose your position, approve the wording and submit it yourself.
CLEAR SERVICE BOUNDARIES

Practical Support, Not Solicitor Representation

Tradesmen Dispute Direct is not a law firm. We do not provide legal advice, decide what you should admit or deny, assess prospects or decide whether you should bring a Counterclaim.

We do not sign, file, serve or send documents, pay court fees, communicate with the court or attend hearings. You remain responsible for the statement of truth, all deadlines and correct filing or service.

Complex, high-value, multi-party or procedurally unusual claims may require a regulated solicitor.

RESPONSE DEADLINE APPROACHING?

Prepare a Clear Defence Before the Deadline

Complete the First Filing form with the complete claim papers, deadline, short summary and key evidence. We will confirm the agreed scope and payment instructions.