Natwest entered a defence but was it too late?

chathe

Hello everyone,

I have searched and searched but can't find an answer to this specific question so apologies for the new thread!

I followed all the instructions on this site to the letter: sent Natwest letter 1 and letter 2 then started the claim on Moneyclaim.gov.uk as had not had a satisfactory response (I was claiming £3909, they offered £309). Natwest acknowledged my claim and this acknowledgment showed up on my online claim.

Yesterday was the 28th day after Natwest were served with the claim, so I monitored my claim like a hawk all day to see if they would enter a defence, and it still just said "acknowledged". So today being the 29th day I entered the judgement by default at 8.30am. Now at 10am the post has just arrived including a letter from Cobbetts, saying they have entered a defence and (I quote) that "we confirm that we have filed a copy of the same with the Court. Would you please acknowledge receipt".

So my question is: are Natwest too late? Their letter was dated yesterday, 16 January (the 28th day from being served with the claim) but if they have filed a defence with the court as they claim to have done, shouldn't it show up on the Moneyclaim site and not allow me to claim judgement by default?

Any advice would be very gratefully received. I am trying not to count on this money coming through but it would be an absolute godsend if it did.

Thanks!
Catherine

CatherinE

Hi, I am one week into my 28 day period following the same route as you did.
Please keep me informed about any developments. Have you spoken to the MoneyClaim people about this? My e-mail address is **no email addresses in posts please**

Rex_Mundi

Even though Cobbetts are a little bit late with entering the defence, it is very likely that the judge will allow the case to proceed. Keep an eye on your claim over the next few days. You will most likely hear from the court next with your allocation questionnaire to fill in. You will also find out which court you have been transfered to (your local county cxourt).

Don't worry if this happens. Natwest are still settling 99.9% of the court cases before they get in front of a judge (a hearing).

Sexything

Hello. I have been reading your posts and find them interesting. Although my comment has no relation to your question I would like to know how long it took for an offer from Natwest, as i have now been waiting 3 weeks since letter 2. I have a name of person in customer relations but this person doesnt seem to exsist as i was sent all the way round the houses trying to get in contact with him but nobody at Natwest seemed to know who this person is....Please help as im now getting fed up of waiting for post man every day and nothing turning up!!

Rex_Mundi

Sexything wrote:

Hello. I have been reading your posts and find them interesting. Although my comment has no relation to your question I would like to know how long it took for an offer from Natwest, as i have now been waiting 3 weeks since letter 2. I have a name of person in customer relations but this person doesnt seem to exsist as i was sent all the way round the houses trying to get in contact with him but nobody at Natwest seemed to know who this person is....Please help as im now getting fed up of waiting for post man every day and nothing turning up!!

If you gave a 14 day deadline in your letter. Don't wait any longer. Send the next letter. Sometimes you may not get a response to your letter. If this happens, move onto the next stage of the process without waiting for the bank.

If the bank writes back, and says they'll reply in X amount of weeks. Ignore their timetable. Keep the deadline you set them in your letters.

chathe

CatherinE wrote:

Hi, I am one week into my 28 day period following the same route as you did.
Please keep me informed about any developments. Have you spoken to the MoneyClaim people about this? My e-mail address is **no email addresses in posts please**

Hi Catherine,

The latest is that Rex was right (of course!!). Cobbetts entered a defence on the same day that I entered my judgement by default, and so my judgement by default was overridden. Cobbetts sent me a copy of their defence plus the CPR 18 request for information, so (following advice here and on the Consumer Action Group website) I replied saying I thought they were trying to intimidate me, but I enclosed a list of the charges "for clarity".

That was all last Wednesday (17th), and then I got the Allocation Questionnaire from my local court on Friday 19th. So I'll be returning that today, as I'm on holiday from Thursday for 3 weeks and need to ensure everything is done in as timely a manner as possible.

Hope this helps.
Catherine

Rex_Mundi

chathe wrote:

That was all last Wednesday (17th), and then I got the Allocation Questionnaire from my local court on Friday 19th. So I'll be returning that today, as I'm on holiday from Thursday for 3 weeks and need to ensure everything is done in as timely a manner as possible.

Make sure you enter the dates of your holiday on the Allocation Questionnaire. You need to make sure the court will not set any dates while you are away.