Create a clear Letter Before Action.
Answer a few straightforward questions and review how your formal letter could take shape before you send anything.
Before you create your letter
Have these details nearby to make the process easier.
Key dates
When the agreement was made, when payment was due, and when you last contacted the other party.
Supporting documents
Invoices, receipts, agreements, emails and any earlier complaint or reminder letters.
Your preferred outcome
The payment, refund, repair or other reasonable action you want the recipient to take.
Understanding the process
What is a Letter Before Action?
A Letter Before Action, also called a Letter Before Claim, is a formal notice sent before starting a civil claim. It explains the dispute, tells the recipient what you want them to do and gives them a reasonable opportunity to respond. In England and Wales, the courts generally expect parties to exchange enough information to understand each other's position and try to resolve the dispute before proceedings begin.
Why send one?
A clear letter can bring the facts, amount and requested outcome into one place. It may help the parties settle, narrow the issues or decide whether another form of dispute resolution would be more suitable.
When should you use it?
It is commonly used after earlier requests or complaints have not resolved a civil dispute, such as an unpaid invoice, money owed, faulty goods, poor service or a refused refund. A specific pre-action protocol may apply to your type of claim.
What should the letter include?
- Your name and a reliable address for correspondence.
- The correct name and address of the person or business receiving the letter.
- A concise summary of the important facts and dates.
- The legal or factual basis of the claim, explained in plain language.
- What you want the recipient to do and, for a money claim, how the amount is calculated.
- A reasonable response deadline and the action you may consider if the dispute is not resolved.
- Copies or a clear list of the key documents supporting your position.
Official guidance: Practice Direction on Pre-Action Conduct and Protocols and GOV.UK Money Claim Online user guide.
Common questions
Letter Before Action FAQs
General information about preparing and sending a letter in England and Wales.
Is a Letter Before Action the same as a Letter Before Claim?
The terms are often used for the same type of formal pre-action letter. Some court protocols use “Letter of Claim” and set specific information, documents and response periods that must be followed.
How much time should I give the recipient to reply?
For a straightforward claim, the general Practice Direction identifies 14 days as a reasonable response time. Complex matters may need longer, and a relevant pre-action protocol may set its own timetable. Check the rules for your type of dispute.
Can I send a Letter Before Action by email?
The suitable delivery method depends on the circumstances and any applicable protocol. Use reliable contact details, keep a copy and retain evidence of delivery. You may choose to send it by post and email when both addresses are known.
What evidence should I include?
Include or identify the documents needed to understand the dispute, such as the contract, invoice, receipt, order confirmation, correspondence, photographs or calculation of the amount claimed. Share only relevant information and keep the originals.
Does sending the letter stop a limitation period?
No. The pre-action rules do not change statutory deadlines for starting proceedings. If a time limit may be close, seek legal advice promptly rather than relying on correspondence to protect your position.
What can I do if the letter is ignored?
Review whether you followed the relevant pre-action requirements, consider negotiation or mediation, and assess the evidence, value and cost of the claim. Starting proceedings is a separate decision, and legal advice may be useful before taking that step.
About this tool
We publish general legal information to help readers understand common issues. It is not a substitute for advice about your circumstances.