Help with N244 form

[Butterflyheart]

I've been scouring the net and YouTube but haven't found anything that helps with my current situation so I've decided to ask and hopefully there is someone out there that can give me advice or point me in the right direction.

I am thinking of taking an individual to court as they owe me money, it would fall into the small track category. I know I need to use N1 form for that. I think I need to use N244 to ask the courts permission to serve at their work address. Contacting them directly is not an option as they have been harassing me, I've never spoken to their family members, and I guess friends wouldn't give me their address when I've barely spoken to them. I know they are still working at their current workplace and the less people that know the better as they could quit their job.

Do I use the form to ask permission for me to serve the papers at their workplace under CPR 6.15? I don't want to get this wrong as it's causing me so much stress.

Thanks in advance.

N244 is the correct form. However, you will only be allowed to go down this route if you can show the court that you have made reasonable attempts to find the individual's home address. Your OP suggests that you have not done so. Also, if you need to take enforcement action, you will need their home address. You may want to consider using a tracing service to find the address for you.

Totally agree with @prh47bridge. Just to add to their post, the N244 application will cost a further £108 or £275 if the Judhe seems it requires a hearing.

Really is best if you find out their home address before making a claim.

If they are harassing you, have you contacted the Police?

That's assuming of course that you're not eligible for help with Court Fees.

*Judge deems

Thank you for replying to me, I'm ineligible for financial aid due to my earnings, I earn just over the threshold.

Extra information to add, the defendant is an ex partner who coerced me into taking out this loan, the relationship was abusive and I finally ended it in November 2021, I cut all contact in December 2021, I've received thousands of texts and emails. He harassed me before and I did report it but the police didn't arrest him, they were going to but couldn't find him. I ended up saying I wouldn't support the prosecution as they kept turning up to my house looking for him when I was working from home and it was too overwhelming.

In terms of reasonable searching, it's A tough one, I've tried 192 but he's not changed address or I can't see it on electoral roll. I've had to block him on social media to prevent him contacting me.

Family - never spoken to the parents, don't have their phone number and unsure if they use social media. I have previously reached out to his sibling when ex threatened suicide but he didn't respond.

Friends - one has moved country, I don't know the last name of another, there is one and I did think of reaching out to them but they live in a different city and I know ex would think I'm up to something and manipulate the situation as ''I'm trying to get in touch with him or I want to know where he is living''.

Work - I'm guessing boss would refuse due to GDPR.

I could use tracing agent, how reliable are they though?

I was thinking of asking for attachment of earnings if I win, I doubt he's got assets but he's definitely employed.

Thanks again

Tracing agents are generally reliable. Some won't charge you anything if they fail to locate your ex, others will take a small fee up front with the bulk of the payment only being due if they succeed.

Thank you again! I'll have a look online