Tiny ToolkitCivil Procedure Rules 1998 Deadline Calculator
Calculate UK court deadlines using Civil Procedure Rules 1998 Rule 2.8. Automatically applies clear days and 5-day rule.
Calculate Deadline: Find the deadline when you know the start date (e.g., "Particulars must be served within 14 days of claim form")
Important Notice
This calculator is provided for guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always verify deadlines with the relevant CPR provisions and consider seeking professional legal advice for your specific circumstances. The calculator includes UK bank holidays but cannot account for all court office closures or special circumstances.
About CPR Deadlines
The Civil Procedure Rules 1998 Rule 2.8 sets out how to calculate time periods for court deadlines in England and Wales. This calculator helps legal professionals, litigants in person, and court users accurately calculate service deadlines and compliance dates according to official UK legislation.
What are Clear Days?
Under Civil Procedure Rules 1998 Rule 2.8(3), "clear days" means that when computing the number of days:
- Exclude the start day: The day on which the period begins is not counted
- Exclude the end day: The day on which the event or deadline occurs is not counted
- Count only full 24-hour periods: Only count complete days between the start and end dates
Example: Notice must be served at least 3 days before a hearing on Friday, 20 October. The hearing date (Friday 20th) is excluded. Counting back 3 clear days: Thursday 19th, Wednesday 18th, Tuesday 17th. Therefore, the last day for service is Monday, 16 October, giving the full three clear days before the hearing.
The 5-Day Rule (Civil Procedure Rules 1998 Rule 2.8(4))
When the specified period is 5 days or less, weekends and bank holidays do not count. This is a critical distinction from longer periods:
Periods of 5 days or less
Exclude:
- Saturdays and Sundays
- Bank Holidays
- Christmas Day
- Good Friday
Periods of more than 5 days
Include:
- Saturdays and Sundays
- Bank Holidays
- All calendar days count
Example: Notice of an application must be served at least 3 days before the hearing. If the hearing is on Monday 20 October, the last date for service is Tuesday 14 October (excluding Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th from the count).
Calculating Periods Measured in Hours
When a deadline is specified in hours (not days), different rules apply:
- No "clear days" rule: You do not exclude the start and end days
- No exclusion of weekends or bank holidays: All hours count, regardless of the day
- Measure from specific time: Simply count the number of hours from when the period begins
Example: A deadline is 24 hours before a hearing at 1:30 PM on Friday. The deadline is 1:30 PM on the preceding Thursday. Even if Thursday is a bank holiday, it remains a valid deadline because hours-based periods do not exclude non-business days.
Common CPR Deadlines
3 Days
- Notice of application before hearing
- Application for interim payment
7 Days
- Reply to defence
- Acknowledgment of service (disputed jurisdiction)
14 Days
- Service of particulars of claim
- Filing defence
- Acknowledgment of service (standard)
21-28 Days
- Filing allocation questionnaire
- Directions questionnaire (28 days)
- Filing witness statements
How to Use This Calculator
Calculate Deadline Mode
Use this mode when you know the start date and need to find the deadline. For example, calculating when particulars of claim must be served after the claim form was served.
- Enter the start date (e.g., date claim form served)
- Enter the number of days (e.g., 14)
- The calculator shows the deadline date
When to Serve Mode
Use this mode when you know the hearing date and need to find the latest service date. For example, calculating when notice must be served before a hearing.
- Enter the hearing date
- Enter the number of days' notice required (e.g., 3)
- The calculator shows the latest service date
Court Office Closure Rule (Civil Procedure Rules 1998 Rule 2.8(5))
Under Civil Procedure Rules 1998 Rule 2.8(5), if a deadline falls on a day when the court office is closed, the act is in time if done on the next day the court office is open. This calculator automatically adjusts deadlines that fall on weekends. However, individual court office closures may vary, so always check with your local court.
Practical Deadline Calculation Examples
Example 1: 14-Day Deadline (Standard)
Scenario: Claim form served on Monday, 2 October. Particulars of claim must be served within 14 days.
Service date: Monday, 2 October (excluded)
Count starts: Tuesday, 3 October
14 days later: Monday, 16 October
Deadline: Monday, 16 October
Example 2: 3-Day Deadline (5-Day Rule Applies)
Scenario: Hearing on Monday, 20 October. Notice must be served at least 3 clear days before.
Hearing date: Monday, 20 October (excluded)
Saturday, 18 October (excluded - 5-day rule)
Sunday, 19 October (excluded - 5-day rule)
Count 3 days back: Friday 17, Thursday 16, Wednesday 15
Latest service date: Tuesday, 14 October
Example 3: Deadline Falls on Weekend
Scenario: Defence due 14 days from service. Calculated deadline is Saturday, 15 October.
Calculated deadline: Saturday, 15 October
Court office closed: Saturday and Sunday
Next court open: Monday, 17 October
Effective deadline: Monday, 17 October
Pro Tips
- Always check the specific CPR rule for your deadline - some rules have special provisions
- Service by email/DX may have different deemed service dates under CPR 6.26
- Extensions of time may be available under CPR 3.1(2)(a) - apply before the deadline expires
- Keep records of calculation for your file and any court applications
- This calculator uses UK bank holidays - check for any additional local court closures
- When in doubt, serve early - a missed deadline can have serious consequences
Frequently Asked Questions
What are clear days under Civil Procedure Rules 1998?
Clear days under Civil Procedure Rules 1998 Rule 2.8(3) means the day on which the period begins and the day on which the event occurs are not included in the count. Only full 24-hour periods between the start and end dates are counted. For example, if a claim form is served on 2 October and particulars must be served within 14 days, the last day is 16 October (excluding the service date).
What is the 5-day rule in Civil Procedure Rules 1998?
Under Civil Procedure Rules 1998 Rule 2.8(4), when a specified period is 5 days or less, weekends and bank holidays (including Christmas Day and Good Friday) do not count. For periods of more than 5 days, weekends and bank holidays are included. For example, for 3 days' notice before a Monday hearing, you must exclude the weekend, so the latest service date is the previous Tuesday.
What happens if a deadline falls on a weekend?
Under Civil Procedure Rules 1998 Rule 2.8(5), if a deadline falls on a day when the court office is closed (including weekends), the act is in time if done on the next day the court office is open. Most court deadlines falling on Saturday or Sunday can be met on the following Monday.
How are deadlines measured in hours different from days?
When a deadline is specified in hours (not days), the "clear days" rule does not apply, and you do not exclude weekends or bank holidays. Simply measure the number of hours from the specific time the period begins. For example, a 24-hour deadline before a 1:30 PM Friday hearing is 1:30 PM Thursday, even if Thursday is a bank holiday.
What are common Civil Procedure Rules deadline periods?
Common deadlines include: 3 days for notice of applications before hearings, 7 days for replying to defence, 14 days for serving particulars of claim or filing defence, 21 days for allocation questionnaires, and 28 days for directions questionnaires. Always check the specific CPR rule for your situation and apply the 5-day rule where applicable.
Can court deadlines be extended under Civil Procedure Rules 1998?
Yes, under Civil Procedure Rules 1998 Rule 3.1(2)(a), courts have power to extend or shorten time for compliance with rules, practice directions, or court orders. Always apply for an extension before the deadline expires. Some deadlines require agreement from other parties; others need court permission. When in doubt, serve early - a missed deadline can have serious consequences.