What is the deadline for default judgment?
Default judgment may become available only after the applicable acknowledgment of service or defence period has expired and the conditions in CPR 12.3 are met. The calculator shows the response dates from deemed service.
Calculate your deadline
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Worked example
- Example input
- 03/08/2026
- Expected result
- Wednesday 19 August 2026
The claim-form service step was completed on Monday 3 August 2026.
Deemed service falls on 5 August. The 14-day response window then ends on 19 August, subject to every condition in CPR 12.3 still being satisfied.
How this deadline is counted
- Period
- After the applicable 14-day or 28-day response period expires
- Trigger
- Deemed service of the claim form and particulars of claim
- Direction
- Forward from deemed service
- Counting method
- Clear days for the encoded response periods
All calendar days count for periods over five days. An end date on a court closure day moves under CPR 2.8(5).
Civil Procedure Rules Part 12. CPR 12.3. Civil Procedure Rules source checked 06/08/2026
Exceptions and matter facts
- Expiry of a date does not by itself establish entitlement to default judgment. Check every condition in CPR 12.3.
- Different rules apply to claims where default judgment is unavailable or permission is required.
Deadline Engine is calculation software, not legal advice. Check the current rule, any order and the facts before adding a date to your diary.