1. Introduction
If you’ve received a court order that contains errors, time is critical. A wrong date, incorrect amount, or misapplied judgment can lead to enforcement, penalties, or obligations that were never intended. Knowing how to request an urgent court order correction UK ensures the order accurately reflects what the judge decided.
2. Why Urgent Court Order Corrections Are Needed
Mistakes in court orders are not rare, and urgent corrections are required when errors:
- Impose incorrect payment deadlines.
- List financial amounts that are wrong.
- Fail to match the judge’s actual decision.
- Risk triggering enforcement or contempt proceedings.
3. Identifying Errors in Court Orders
To confirm whether an order is wrong:
- Compare it with your own hearing notes.
- Request the official court transcript.
- Check names, dates, amounts, and obligations carefully.
4. Using the Slip Rule for Clerical Mistakes
The quickest way to deal with clerical errors is under Civil Procedure Rule (CPR) 40.12, known as the slip rule. This covers:
- Typographical errors.
- Incorrect dates or names.
- Mistakes in figures.
Slip rule applications are straightforward, and in many cases, they do not require a hearing.
5. Correcting Substantive Errors Urgently
If the mistake changes the meaning of the judge’s decision, you must take further steps:
- File an urgent application (Form N244).
- Provide hearing notes or a transcript as evidence.
- Ask the court to list the matter for an emergency hearing.
This is necessary if the order includes terms the judge never ordered or omits vital directions.
6. Requesting a Stay of Enforcement
If enforcement is likely to begin on incorrect terms, you can ask the court for a stay of enforcement. This prevents bailiffs, fines, or penalties while the correction is being decided.
7. Time Limits for Urgent Corrections
- Slip rule corrections – can be made at any time.
- Appeals – must usually be filed within 21 days.
- Applications to vary or set aside – should be made as soon as the error is discovered.
Delays reduce your chances of success and may allow enforcement to proceed.
8. Practical Steps – What You Must Do Now
- Act immediately – contact the court by phone and follow up in writing.
- Gather evidence – transcripts, notes, or witness statements.
- File the correct form – N244 for urgent applications.
- Request an urgent listing – explain why the error must be corrected quickly.
- Seek legal advice if the error is complex or disputed.
9. When to Get Legal Help
You should instruct a solicitor if:
- The order involves significant financial obligations.
- The mistake relates to child arrangements or protective orders.
- The other party disputes your correction request.
A solicitor can file the urgent application correctly and represent you in any hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can a sealed court order still be corrected?
Yes, both clerical and substantive errors can be corrected after sealing.
2. Will enforcement pause while corrections are made?
Yes, if you request a stay of enforcement, the court will usually suspend enforcement.
3. How fast can urgent corrections be made?
Clerical errors may be corrected within days; substantive errors may require a short hearing.
4. Is there a cost to make an urgent correction?
Slip rule corrections are free. Formal applications may require a court fee.
5. Can I handle the correction myself?
Yes, for clerical errors. But for complex or contested mistakes, legal advice is recommended.
6. What if the judge’s ruling itself was wrong?
That requires an appeal, not a correction.
Conclusion
An urgent court order correction UK requires fast and decisive action. Use the slip rule for simple clerical mistakes, or file an urgent application for substantive errors. Always act immediately, request a stay of enforcement if necessary, and seek legal help for complex cases. Correcting the error quickly ensures the order reflects the true decision of the court and protects your rights.