Advice wanted regarding Letter of Claim from DCB Legal

aRatherAnnoyedCitizen

@Coupon-mad Thanks for pointing out those out! Not sure how I missed those.

I've corrected accordingly, signed and emailed the Defence to CCBCAQ@justice.gov.uk as instructed.

I got an automated response back almost immediately that appeared to be apologising about a submitted complaint?
I take is that this the intended acknowledgement as stated on the Newbies Thread?

aRatherAnnoyedCitizen

Sorry to keep on at this. I checked my MCOL portal today, but there's still no mention of a receipt of my Defence - is this normal or should I be concerned?

Coupon-mad

It's normal. Relax.  Look:

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/80492398/#Comment_80492398

Le_Kirk

Provided you received the standard automated reply (as you say you did) then, as @Coupon-mad writes, it is all good.

aRatherAnnoyedCitizen

Thanks guys, just wanted to make doubly sure in case I had to chase it up!

I got a written acknowledgement in the post from the CNBC a couple of days ago, so they've definitely received it either way. I guess now we wait for the next steps.

I'll start drafting a Witness statement in the meantime.

aRatherAnnoyedCitizen

Quick Update: I've just received an email this morning from DCB advising that they 'Intend to Proceed' as well as a copy of their N180 which they've already filled in.

Not received any N180s or other such correspondence from the court since the acknowledgement or receipt of my Defence. (I'm aware it can take up to 2 months for mine to arrive and to be allocated a hearing date)

I'm a little confused with the wording on the instructions under the template telling me to 'Just file it' - I presume I'm just keeping their N180 for reference and don't actually have to do anything with it? (I'm guessing this is the case given they've already filled it in, just want to hear it from someone else)

Le_Kirk

aRatherAnnoyedCitizen said:

I'm a little confused with the wording on the instructions under the template telling me to 'Just file it' - I presume I'm just keeping their N180 for reference and don't actually have to do anything with it? (I'm guessing this is the case given they've already filled it in, just want to hear it from someone else)

Correct, wait for your own from CNBC or, if you are concerned, check your status page on MCOL and, when you see "N180 issued to defendant" download one, complete and return.

aRatherAnnoyedCitizen

Just got a copy of the N180 in the post, will fill in, scan and send as per previous instruction.

I'm answering 'No' on Question D1 asking about whether I consider the claim to be suitable for determination without a hearing. The reason that I'm considering writing in there is as follows:

"Given the amount of intimidation and aggressive demands I have received in the form of letters from the claimant despite the circumstances under which this claim was issued, I wish to question them face-to-face in the presence of a judge about the validity and good faith of their claim. I do not trust the claimant to argue in good faith. Furthermore I believe a determination without a hearing will give them a disproportionate advantage."

I wrote this using some of the examples provided in the Newbies thread as a rough guide - Anything I should add or remove?

As for the venue, I've put my closest, which is about 15 minutes away from me, though I've heard a few positive things about the court in Luton from a couple of the threads on this forum, which isn't much further for me - would it be worth trying to get it transferred there?

Coupon-mad

Yes I'd choose Luton and say this is most convenient due to work.

aRatherAnnoyedCitizen

Coupon-mad said:

Yes I'd choose Luton and say this is most convenient due to work.

My workplace is in the opposite direction - will they actually check this? Is there different reason I could cite?