Pre-action letter
A pre-action letter (previously known as a letter before action) is the final step before starting court proceedings. It formally demands payment and warns the debtor that legal action will follow if they don't pay.
What is a Letter Before Action?
A letter before action is a formal letter sent to a debtor before starting court proceedings. It serves several important purposes:
Evidence of Warning
Shows the court you attempted to resolve the dispute before legal action
Final Opportunity
Gives the debtor a last chance to pay before court proceedings
Legal Requirement
Often required by court rules and good practice
Cost Evidence
May support claims for legal costs if you win in court
What Should Be Included
A letter before action should be clear, professional, and include:
- Your name and address
- The debtor's name and address
- The amount owed and why it's owed
- A clear deadline for payment (usually 7-14 days)
- A warning that court proceedings will follow if payment isn't received
Download Templates
Choose from the following template formats. All templates contain the same content but in different file formats to suit your needs.
Word Document
Modern Word format (.doc)
Rich Text FormatRecommended
Compatible with most word processors (.rtf)
Word 97
Legacy Word format (.doc)
Plain Text
Universal text format (.txt)
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How to Use the Template
Download and Customize
Download the template and fill in your specific details, amounts, and dates
Set a Reasonable Deadline
Give the debtor 7-14 days to respond - this shows reasonableness to the court
Send by Recorded Delivery
Use recorded or registered post so you have proof of delivery
Keep Copies
Keep copies of the letter and proof of posting for your court case
Next Steps
After sending your letter before action, if the debtor doesn't pay by your deadline, you can start court proceedings.
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Key Requirements
- • Clear payment deadline
- • Amount owed specified
- • Warning of court action
- • Sent by recorded delivery
- • Keep copies for evidence