claim form

A formal written statement setting out the particulars of the claimant, the defendant and the remedy being sought in legal proceedings. A Claim Form is used to commence civil litigation in the United Kingdom. It may be issued under either Part 7 or Part 8 of the Civil Procedure Rules.  The introduction of this form replaced all the previous methods of commencing litigation in the UK, such as an originating summons and writ of summons.

Usage: The claim form was issued and served by the claimant to commence the litigation.

Related Words: defence: litigation; requests for further information and clarification.