Just in case this is useful to anyone, below I have put the body of the letter that I faxed to the DCA and their solicitor.
As a result of phoning the solicitors today, I found out that a 28 day extension has been agreed.
I am delighted that, once I have written to the court confirming the agreed 28 day extension, I have some breathing space to prepare a properly pleaded defence
28th April 2015
Dear Sir or Madam
Re: xxxxx v xxxxx - CLAIM No: xxxxx
On 17th April 2015 I received a County Court claim from yourselves, of which I have acknowledged receipt indicating my intention to defend in full.
On 21st April 2015 I sent a letter to yourselves in accordance with CPR 31.15 and I am awaiting your reply.
I am now in the process of instructing solicitors to assist me to file my defence and/or counterclaim.
Due to the time constraints, which have been compounded by the bank holiday on Monday 4th May 2015, I am writing to request an extension of time to allow me to instruct solicitors.
As they currently have a very heavy case load, the solicitors I wish to instruct have requested a time extension of, ideally, 28 days.
If you are able to comply with this request you must tell me in writing and confirm your agreement to an extension of the time allowed for me to file my defence, so I may notify the court. As you will be aware, this is allowed under CPR 15.5.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully
As a result of phoning the solicitors today, I found out that a 28 day extension has been agreed.
I am delighted that, once I have written to the court confirming the agreed 28 day extension, I have some breathing space to prepare a properly pleaded defence
28th April 2015
Dear Sir or Madam
Re: xxxxx v xxxxx - CLAIM No: xxxxx
On 17th April 2015 I received a County Court claim from yourselves, of which I have acknowledged receipt indicating my intention to defend in full.
On 21st April 2015 I sent a letter to yourselves in accordance with CPR 31.15 and I am awaiting your reply.
I am now in the process of instructing solicitors to assist me to file my defence and/or counterclaim.
Due to the time constraints, which have been compounded by the bank holiday on Monday 4th May 2015, I am writing to request an extension of time to allow me to instruct solicitors.
As they currently have a very heavy case load, the solicitors I wish to instruct have requested a time extension of, ideally, 28 days.
If you are able to comply with this request you must tell me in writing and confirm your agreement to an extension of the time allowed for me to file my defence, so I may notify the court. As you will be aware, this is allowed under CPR 15.5.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully