N181 Directions Questionnaire (Fast/Multi-Track): Fill In

What is N181 Directions questionnaire?

When a civil claim is defended and not settled, a judge allocates it to a case management track. For claims that look suitable for the fast track, the intermediate track or the multi-track, each party completes form N181 so the judge can choose the most just and cost-effective track and decide how the case should proceed.

N181 covers settlement (including a one month stay to try to settle), which court should hear the case, whether you have complied with the pre-action protocol, applications made or planned, the track and complexity band you propose, disclosure of documents, experts, witnesses of fact, how long the trial will take and dates to avoid, costs, any other information for the judge, and whether anyone giving evidence is vulnerable. A draft order for the directions you seek must go with it.

FileIt asks each question in plain English, only shows the follow-up questions that apply to your track, lays out the experts, witnesses and dates tables row by row so they line up on the form, and prints everything into HMCTS's own N181 PDF (06.24 edition). You sign it and file it yourself. FileIt never sends anything to the court.

Who fills it: Each party (claimant, defendant or other party), or their legal representative
Tracks: Fast track, intermediate track and multi-track
When: By the date the court gives; note the court it must be returned to, which may differ from where the claim was issued
Must go with it: A draft of the order for directions you seek, whether agreed or not
Signature: Signed by the party or their legal representative
Edition: N181 (06.24), 12 pages

Who needs to fill out N181 Directions questionnaire?

Claimants and defendants in a defended claim that the court is preparing to allocate to the fast, intermediate or multi-track.
People representing themselves in a larger civil claim.
Solicitors and other legal representatives completing it for a client.
Other parties to the claim, such as Part 20 parties.

When to use N181 Directions questionnaire

When the court sends you form N181 to complete, after a defence has been filed.
Return it by the date the court gives. If you settle the claim, tell the court immediately.
For a claim heading for the small claims track, the court sends form N180 instead.

What you need before you start

The court name and claim number, and which party you are (for example first defendant).
What you have done to settle the case, and whether you want a one month stay.
Whether you have complied with the relevant pre-action protocol, and if not why.
Details of any applications already made, with hearing dates, or planned.
The track and complexity band you propose and your reasons, and your proposals for disclosure.
Your experts (name, field, why you need them and their likely cost) and your witnesses of fact.
Your trial length estimate and the dates in the next 12 months when you, an expert or an essential witness can't attend.
Your draft order for directions.

What’s on N181 Directions questionnaire

The 2024 edition has 12 pages. FileIt asks for it in 10 parts, and it is signed by Party:

The claim and who you areParty
A. SettlementParty
B. CourtParty
C. Pre-action protocolsParty
D. Case management informationParty
E. ExpertsParty
F. WitnessesParty
G. Trial or final hearingParty
H-I. Costs and other informationParty
J. Directions and signatureParty

How to fill out N181 Directions questionnaire, step by step

1 Page 1: the claim and who you are

The court name, claim number and the name of the party the questionnaire is for, then whether you are that party or their legal representative, and which party it is: first, second, third or another number, claimant, defendant or another party.

2 A. Settlement

Legal representatives confirm they have explained the need to try to settle, the options and the possible costs sanctions. Everyone says whether they want to try to settle now, and whether they want a one month stay, or why settling isn't appropriate. The court may order a stay whether or not the other parties agree, and you must still complete the rest of the form.

3 B and C. Court and pre-action protocols

For High Court claims, whether the case should stay there (and in which Division or List) or move to a County Court hearing centre. For all cases, whether there is a reason it must be heard at a particular court. Then whether you have complied with the relevant pre-action protocol, and if not why.

4 D. Case management

Applications made and their hearing dates, the track you propose and whether it is agreed, and for the fast and intermediate tracks the complexity band (1 to 4) and your reasons. Multi-track cases also cover disclosure of electronic documents, and, except personal injury, the disclosure report (N263) and any agreed disclosure proposal.

5 E to G. Experts, witnesses and the trial

Whether you want expert evidence, whether reports have been shared and whether a single joint expert would do, with each expert's name, field, justification and estimated cost; your witnesses of fact and what they will speak to; how long the trial will take; and dates in the next 12 months to avoid.

6 H to J. Costs, other information and signing

Legal representatives confirm Precedent H is attached where required. Say whether you plan more applications, add anything that will help the judge, and say whether you or a witness are vulnerable and what support you need. Attach your draft order for directions and sign.

Common mistakes to avoid

Forgetting the draft order for directions, which must accompany the form whether agreed or not.
Sending it to the court where the claim was issued when the notice names a different court.
Not explaining why you haven't complied with the pre-action protocol.
Proposing expert evidence without a short justification and cost estimate: the form says there is no presumption that experts are needed.
Leaving out dates when you, your experts or essential witnesses can't attend.
Not telling the court immediately if the claim settles.

After you fill it out

Print the questionnaire, check it and sign it, or sign it with FileIt's eSignature.

File it with the court by the date given, with your draft order for directions, and keep a copy. FileIt doesn't send anything for you.

The judge will allocate the claim to a track and give directions. Later, before trial, the court may send a pre-trial checklist (form N170).

Fill out N181 Directions questionnaire online with FileIt

Pick the person. Choose someone from People and FileIt fills in their name, date of birth, address and other details it already knows.
Answer plain-language questions. One part of the form at a time, with the official help text beside each question — 110 fields in all. Your answers save as you go.
Check the live preview. Watch your answers land on the real HM Courts & Tribunals Service form, and let FileIt do any worksheet arithmetic.
Generate the official PDF. FileIt prints your answers into the agency’s own PDF and files it in that person’s folder in your vault. Sign it, or send it for e-signature.

FileIt fills the form — it never files or submits anything for you. Deliver the finished form to whoever asked for it, the way the form’s instructions say.

Start N181 Directions questionnaire now — it’s free

N181 Directions questionnaire: frequently asked questions

What is the difference between N180 and N181?

N180 is the directions questionnaire for the small claims track. N181 is for claims heading for the fast track, intermediate track or multi-track.

Do I have to attach a draft order?

Yes. The form says that whether agreed or not, a draft of the order for directions you seek must accompany it, based on the multi-track directions on the justice.gov.uk website or, for the fast and intermediate tracks, on CPR Part 28.

What is a complexity band?

When a claim is allocated to the fast track or intermediate track (unless it is a noise-induced hearing loss case), the court must also assign it to a complexity band from 1 to 4, an ascending scale of allowable costs in proportion to the claim's complexity.

Can I ask for time to settle?

Yes. Question A1 asks whether you want to attempt to settle at this stage and whether you want a one month stay. The court may order a stay even if the other parties don't agree, but you must still complete the rest of the questionnaire.

Does FileIt send the questionnaire to the court?

No. FileIt prints your answers into the official N181 PDF. You sign it and file it with the court yourself.

Official sources

Blank form (PDF), published by HM Courts & Tribunals Service: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/668505584e8630de328546ef/N181_0624.pdf
Official instructions and guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/form-n181-directions-questionnaire-fast-track-and-multi-track
Edition shown on this page: N181 (06.24) (checked 2026-10-25).

FileIt is not affiliated with or endorsed by HM Courts & Tribunals Service or any government. This page explains the form in general terms and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Always read the official instructions, and check that you are using the edition the recipient accepts. Page last reviewed 2026-10-25.