Time limit for serving a claim form within the jurisdiction (CPR 7.5)
A solicitor acts for a claimant in a contract claim against a supplier based in Leeds. The court issued the claim form on 10 February 2026. The solicitor intends to serve the claim form on the defendant at its registered office by first class post.
Which of the following correctly states the latest point by which the claimant must act to serve the claim form in time?
Choose one answer to see the reasoning.
Worked answer
Correct answer B: The claim form must be posted before 12.00 midnight on 10 June 2026.
THE RULE TO REMEMBER
A claim form served in England and Wales must have the relevant step (e.g. posting) completed before midnight on the calendar day four months after issue.
Time limit for serving a claim form within the jurisdiction (CPR 7.5)
CPR 7.5(1) requires a claimant serving within the jurisdiction to complete the 'step required' for the chosen method of service before 12.00 midnight on the calendar day four months after the date of issue. For first class post the step is posting. Four months after 10 February 2026 is 10 June 2026, so the claim form must be posted before midnight on that day.
Why A is wrong: The rule turns on the claimant's step (posting), not on receipt by the defendant.
Why C is wrong: Six months applies only where the claim form is served out of the jurisdiction (CPR 7.5(2)).
Why D is wrong: 14 days is the period for serving particulars of claim after the claim form, where they are served separately (CPR 7.4(1)(b)).
Why E is wrong: Deemed service of the claim form is not the test under CPR 7.5; completing the step in time is what matters.
That's today's practice done. Another featured question tomorrow.
Related questions
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On what date are the documents deemed to be served?
Default judgment after an acknowledgment of service (CPR 10.3, 15.4, 12.3)
Which of the following best describes the position?
Limitation period for a claim in simple contract (Limitation Act 1980, s 5)
What limitation period applies to Tamsin's claim?
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