Form N163

WHAT IS FORM N163 USED FOR?

Form N163 is a government produced skeleton argument template that you can use to write your skeleton argument. 

Some appeal forms require you to submit a skeleton argument giving more detail as to the grounds/reasons for your appeal. You can use form N163 for this.

Please note form N163 can only be used for appeals.

ARE THERE ANY GOVERNMENT OR OUR OWN L.I.P HELP GUIDES OR WRITE UPS TO HELP YOU COMPLETE FORM N163?

There are no government guides to help you use form N163.

WHAT IS THE FEE TO SEND FORM N163 TO THE COURT AND HOW TO PAY FOR IT? 

Form N163 is free to send to the court. 

HOW TO COMPLETE FORM N163 AND WHERE TO SEND IT.

• NOTE 1 – The ex-partner who initiated the original hearing that is being appealed is the petitioner or applicant. The other ex-partner is the respondent. The ex-partner who filed the appeal is called the appellant and the other party is the respondent to the appeal.
• NOTE 2 – If there is not enough space to complete your answer on form N163 then please continue on extra sheets of paper and attach them to your form. Please remember to write your name, date of birth, appeal reference number and question number on the top of the sheet.
• NOTE 3 – You can complete form N163 online and then print a hard copy. Alternatively you can download it, print it and then complete by black pen. 
• NOTE 4 – Please send at least 3-4 copies of form N163 and any attachments to the court along with the appeal form you are submitting. The court will distribute the copies accordingly. One copy is required for the court and one for each party in the proceedings.
• NOTE 5 – Please keep a copy of your form N163, all evidence and attachments for yourself outside of the ones you send to the court where your appeal is being heard.
• Form N163 is 2 pages long.
• In the top right hand corner of page 1 you will be asked to write the name of the court where your appeal is being heard and your appeal reference number.
• In the next section named ‘details of the claim’ you must write the name of the court where the case you are appealing was originally heard, the case number of the case your are appealing, name or title of your case and who you are in the case (whether you are the applicant or respondent for example) in the boxes provided.
• In the next section called ‘your name and address’ please write your full name, your solicitor’s name if you have one or your advocates name if you have one. Next you are asked for your address or your solicitor’s or advocates address, contact name and telephone number. You will now be asked of your are the appellant or respondent in the appeal. Please tick the relevant box.
• In the next section on page 2 called ‘skeleton argument’ there is space for your to write your skeleton argument that you will rely on in court. Your skeleton argument should give further detail on your grounds for appeal. It must contain what type of hearing you are appealing, what in the court order you are appealing, why you believe the court order is wrong, and what decision or what you want the court that is hearing your appeal to do. It must explain in detail the reasons for your appeal including why the initial decision is wrong, if it is due to a procedural reason, or an irregularity in the proceedings. This whole document should not really be longer than 20-25 pages, preferably less. As stated above please use separate sheets of paper to continue. Number each sheet, put your full name, date of birth and case number on the top of the sheet and attach them to your form N163. 
• You will need to sign your form N163 at the bottom of page 2.
• Form N163 is sent along with your appeal form to the relevant court depending upon your appeal.

WHERE CAN YOU FIND FORM N163/DOWNLOAD THIS FORM?

Please click on the link below to download form N163 from the government website. Please complete and attach it to the appeal form you are submitting to the court. Please send both to the court by post (signed for recorded delivery).

LINK TO GOVERNMENT WEBSITE FOR FORM N163

WHEN WAS FORM N163 FIRST PUBLISHED AND LAST UPDATED?

Form N163 was first published by the government (HM Courts & Tribunals Service) on 01-04-2000.