29/07/2025 I received this email:
Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you for your responds, yah looks fine we also need the auto message you got when sent the first direction questionnaire. And we can remove the judgment.
umalkheir Mattan
Administrative Officer
Directions Questionnaire Team
Is that the exact wording/spelling you received from HMCTS?
Did you pay a fee to submit the N244?
Did you also CC yourself when you emailed the defence?
When you submitted your N180 DQ, did you also CC DCB Legal?
Did you receive a copy of the claimants DQ?
Please answer those questions.
You should also submit an official complaint to HMCTS and demand compensation for the stress and anxiety that has caused you. Complain here:
https://hmcts-complaint-form-eng.form.service.justice.gov.uk. You are complaining about the Civil National Business Centre (CNBC), not DCB Legal.
The issuance of a DQ proves the defence was processed. The subsequent default judgment is either a bureaucratic failure or a deliberate abuse.
Use the following for the webform submission to HMCTS complaints:
I am making a formal complaint about a serious procedural failure in relation to Claim Reference L3KF4Z7D. On 14 July 2025, I received a default judgment stating that I had not responded to the claim. This is demonstrably false and has caused me significant distress.
I filed my defence on 27 November 2024, which was acknowledged by the court on 24 December 2024. On 27 February 2025, I was sent a Direction Questionnaire (Form N180), which I completed and submitted on 4 March 2025. The issuance of a DQ confirms that my defence was recorded and processed. Furthermore, the claimant (DCB Legal) received a copy of my DQ, meaning they were fully aware that the claim had been responded to.
Despite this, a default judgment was issued under CPR 12.3, which only applies when no defence has been filed. This raises serious concerns about how the judgment was granted. Either the court failed to maintain accurate records, or the claimant knowingly applied for judgment in default despite being aware of my defence. If the latter, this suggests potential misconduct or abuse of process.
I am extremely concerned that a bulk litigation firm was able to obtain judgment in default under these circumstances. The fact that a DQ was issued proves that the defence was on record. So how was a default judgment granted? This contradiction undermines confidence in the integrity of the Civil National Business Centre and raises the possibility of systemic failure or collusion.
This error has caused me extreme anxiety and distress. I have had to submit a set-aside application (Form N244) to correct the mistake, which has taken time, effort, and caused unnecessary stress.
I request a full investigation into how this judgment was granted, including:
- Why the defence and DQ submission were not properly reflected in the judgment process.
- How the claimant was permitted to apply for default judgment despite clear evidence of my response.
- Whether this reflects a wider pattern of procedural failure or misconduct involving bulk litigators.
I also request confirmation that the judgment will be removed, and consideration of compensation for the anxiety, distress and inconvenience caused.
You can also send the following to DCB Legal at info@dcblegal.co.uk and CC yourself:
Subject: Formal Complaint Regarding Improper Default Judgment Application – Claim Ref: L3KF4Z7D
To: DCB Legal Ltd
Date: [Insert today's date]
Dear Sir/Madam,
I write regarding Claim Reference L3KF4Z7D, in which your firm represents the claimant.
On 14 July 2025, I received a Judgment in Default issued against me on the basis that I had allegedly failed to respond to the claim. This assertion is demonstrably false and procedurally indefensible.
As you are aware:
• I filed a Defence which was acknowledged by the court on 24 December 2024.
• I subsequently received and submitted a Direction Questionnaire (Form N180) on 4 March 2025, which was copied to your firm.
• The issuance of a DQ under CPR Part 26.3(1) confirms that the defence was processed and the claim was actively progressing.
Under CPR 12.3, a claimant may only obtain default judgment if:
• No acknowledgment of service or defence has been filed, and
• The relevant time limits have expired.
Neither condition was met. Your firm would have received its own DQ, confirming that the defence had been filed. Therefore, I require an immediate explanation as to:
• On what basis your firm applied for default judgment under CPR 12.3, when the claim had been responded to and was in the DQ stage.
• Why no corrective action was taken to withdraw or rectify the application, despite your knowledge of the defence and DQ submission.
If you are unable to provide a reasonable and substantiated explanation, I will be submitting a formal complaint to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) on the grounds of misconduct and abuse of process, including:
• Misrepresentation to the court.
• Failure to act with integrity under SRA Principle 4.
• Conduct likely to undermine public trust in the administration of justice.
I expect a written response within 7 days of the date of this letter. Please treat this as a formal complaint under your internal complaints procedure.
Yours faithfully,
[Your Full Name]
Finally, you should also get your MP involved. You can find your MP’s contact details via the
UK Parliament website. Send the following by email:
Subject: Request for Referral to Parliamentary Ombudsman – Procedural Misconduct by HMCTS (Claim Ref: L3KF4Z7D)
Dear [MP's Name],
I am writing to request your assistance in referring a serious complaint to the Parliamentary and Health Service Ombudsman concerning maladministration by HM Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS).
On 14 July 2025, I received a default judgment for Claim Ref: L3KF4Z7D, despite having filed a defence and submitted a Direction Questionnaire (Form N180), which was acknowledged by the court and copied to the claimant. The issuance of a DQ confirms that my defence was processed, making the default judgment procedurally impossible under CPR 12.3.
This raises serious concerns about how a bulk litigation firm was able to obtain judgment in default when both the court and the claimant were clearly aware that the claim had been responded to. It suggests either a failure by HMCTS to maintain accurate records or potential collusion with the claimant’s legal representatives. The distress caused by this unlawful judgment has been severe.
I have submitted a formal complaint to HMCTS, but given the gravity of the issue and the potential for systemic failure, I am asking you to refer this matter to the Parliamentary Ombudsman for independent investigation.
Please let me know if you require any further documentation to support the referral.
Yours sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Address]
