Court claim forms (UK small claims)
You usually have 14 days from the date on the claim form to respond — or 28 if you file an acknowledgment first. Missing it can mean a judgment against you automatically.
Legal hub
Legal help: resources, deadlines, and your questions
Where to find free legal help in your country, the deadlines that matter, and a neutral assistant that points you to the right kind of help — it never gives legal advice.
Free legal resources by country
United Kingdom
- Citizens AdviceFree help on housing, debt, work, benefits and consumer problems
- GOV.UK — going to courtOfficial court process guidance for England & Wales
- Law Centres NetworkFree legal help if you can't afford a solicitor
- AdvocateFree barrister representation for some cases
- ACASFree early conciliation for work disputes
United States
- LawHelp.orgFree legal aid programmes by state
- USA.gov legal aidOfficial guide to free and low-cost legal help
Canada
- Justice CanadaFederal legal information and provincial legal aid links
Australia
- Community Legal CentresFree legal help in every state and territory
- Legal Aid (National)State legal aid commissions
New Zealand
- Community Law CentresFree legal help across NZ
European Union
- European e-Justice PortalLegal aid and court information for every EU country
Court deadlines that matter most
Eviction notices
Notice periods depend on your country and tenancy type. Check the exact notice you received against current rules — in England, start with gov.uk/evicting-tenants; elsewhere, check your national housing authority.
Employment tribunals (UK)
Most claims must reach ACAS within 3 months minus one day of the event. This deadline is strict and rarely extended.
Consumer complaints
Many ombudsman schemes require you to complain to the company first and give them a set period (often 8 weeks in the UK) before escalating.
Always check your own jurisdiction
Deadlines change and differ by country, court and case type. Treat every date on an official letter as real, and verify it with an adviser or the official source.
Ask a question
Describe your situation and the assistant will help you understand what kind of problem it is and where to get proper help in England. It cannot give legal advice.