Defendant disputes the claim
The defendant can choose to admit only part of the claim. They could dispute the whole claim or they could issue a counter-claim.
If the defendant admits some of the claim and disputes the rest, you will receive their part admission on Form N9A - Admission (specified amount). and the defence on Form N9B - Defence / counterclaim (specified amount).. The part admission is dealt with in the same way as described under admitting the claim.
The defendant may dispute your claim or may issue a counter-claim. You should check this carefully and decide whether you want to proceed. You may decide to that some of the defendant's arguments are reasonable. There is nothing to stop you and the defendant agreeing to settle at this stage rather than continuing with legal action.
The defendant may state as their defence that they have already paid the amount owing. (This used to be known as a 'states paid' defence.) If this happens the court will send you Form N236 - Notice of defence that amount claimed has been paid. You have 28 days within which to notify the court whether you accept this defence or not.
See also: Court leaflet: EX306 - The defendant disputes all or part of my claim