Newbie questions - Excel Parking using DCB Legal - Witness Statement stage

Lemonhead39

Thanks again

Lemonhead39

Hi. 

I have now received my court hearing date which clashes with a holiday. I am disappointed as I wanted to attend in person.

I am assuming the answer will be no but is there a possibility that the court will rearrange if I write to them explaining I cannot attend on the date?

Thanks

Coupon-mad

Yes if you get consent from the Claimant's solicitors to move it, and send that proof to the court more than two weeks beforehand (the sooner the better). There is no need to pay a fee or do an application if you both agree.

Le_Kirk

Did you put that date as non-available on your DQ - N180?

Lemonhead39

Hi.

No I didn't as at the time I did not have this trip booked plus the N180 only asked for the next three months and the court hearing is after that. I am only away for a weekend but still out of the country.

Thanks

Coupon-mad

Ok - but this is a major problem and you really should have sent a simple email, telling the local court your extra unavailable days.

I already advised what to do - act really quickly. You cannot just not appear.

Lemonhead39

Understood. The case is actually another 6 weeks away.

When I contact the client's legal firm asking if they are happy to move due to my circumstances, should I CC the court in?

Thanks

Coupon-mad

No.        

Lemonhead39

Hi

If the legal firm pull the plug on behalf of the claimant, do they normally do this before they pay the £27 trial fee to the court or do they do it in the two weeks preceding the court case date when they will have read my defence?

My case is on a Friday pm with no guaranteed time frame for the hearing so I am thinking there is a chance they will withdraw or their solicitor could be spending Friday evening travelling home. This could of course be a mis-assumption as they may have a solicitor local to me.

Thanks

Gr1pr

Before the fee has to be paid is the usual M.O.

Your defence was submitted and read months ago,  I presume that you meant your WS 

Check your court order for the hearing fee deadline date,  contact the court AFTER the deadline to see if its been paid or not

Keep checking your inbox and spam folders for their N279 discontinuation email