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Letter Before Action Generator

A letter before action (LBA) is the last formal demand before you start a court claim. Courts expect one. Fill in the details and we will draft a letter that follows the right pre-action rules for your debtor — ready to copy, print or save as PDF.

100% freeNo signupEngland & Wales
Who owes you?
The debt
From you

You can edit the letter directly. Changing the form above will regenerate it.

What a letter before action must include

A letter before action (or "letter of claim") is your final formal demand before a court claim. The court will look at it if the case goes further, so it should be factual, calm and complete:

  • Who you are and who owes you — use the company's exact registered name (check it on Companies House).
  • What you supplied, the invoice number and date, the amount and when it was due.
  • How the total is made up, including any interest and compensation, and whether interest is still running.
  • A clear deadline, how to pay, and what you will do if they do not.
  • An invitation to raise any dispute and to consider settling without court.

Companies vs individuals: the deadline is different

DebtorRulesTime to replyStatutory interest?
Limited company, LLP, plcPractice Direction – Pre-Action Conduct14 days is generally reasonableYes
Sole traderPre-Action Protocol for Debt ClaimsAt least 30 days, with Annex 1 formsYes (they are a business)
Private individualPre-Action Protocol for Debt ClaimsAt least 30 days, with Annex 1 formsNo — but court interest can be claimed

After you send it

  1. Send it by email and by first-class post with a free certificate of posting.
  2. If they reply disputing the debt, deal with the points raised — the protocol expects you to engage.
  3. If they ignore it, you can issue a claim once the deadline passes. Check the cost with the court fee calculator.

This generator produces a template based on common practice in England & Wales. It is not legal advice. For large or disputed debts, consider speaking to a solicitor.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is a letter before action legally required?

Not strictly, but in England and Wales the courts expect you to follow pre-action conduct before issuing a claim. If you skip it, the court can penalise you on costs or interest even if you win.

How long do I have to give the debtor?

If the debtor is an individual — including a sole trader — the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims applies and you must give at least 30 days to reply. For a limited company or LLP, 14 days is generally treated as reasonable.

What do I need to send with it to an individual or sole trader?

The Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims requires you to enclose the Information Sheet, Reply Form and Financial Statement from Annex 1 of the protocol, plus a copy of the invoice or statement of account. The generator reminds you of this and links to the official forms.

Can I add interest and fees in the letter?

Yes. For business debtors you can claim statutory interest and fixed compensation under the Late Payment Act. Tick the option and the letter includes the figures.

Should I send it by email or post?

Both, ideally — email for speed, and first-class post (with proof of posting) to the registered or trading address so there is no argument about whether it arrived.

Does this work in Scotland or Northern Ireland?

The letter is written for England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own court procedures, so get local advice before relying on it there.

Keep going

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