Letter Before Action - Final Notice

A formal Letter Before Action giving 14 days notice before small claims court proceedings for unpaid debts.

Letter Before Action - Final Notice

Disclaimer: This is a template - always read the linked guide first. BeautyKiln gives general information, not legal advice.

LETTER BEFORE ACTION

From: [YOUR FULL NAME] Trading as: [YOUR BUSINESS NAME] Address: [YOUR BUSINESS ADDRESS] Date: [DATE]

To: [DEBTOR'S FULL NAME] Address: [DEBTOR'S ADDRESS]

Sent by: [RECORDED DELIVERY / EMAIL WITH READ RECEIPT - use both if possible]

Dear [DEBTOR'S NAME],

RE: LETTER BEFORE ACTION - Outstanding debt of £[TOTAL AMOUNT INCLUDING INTEREST]

This letter is a Letter Before Action in accordance with the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims. It is a formal notice that I intend to issue court proceedings if this matter is not resolved within 14 days of the date of this letter.

Background:

On [DATE OF SERVICE], I provided [DESCRIPTION OF TREATMENT/SERVICE] at [LOCATION]. An invoice (number [INVOICE NUMBER]) for £[ORIGINAL AMOUNT] was issued on [INVOICE DATE] with payment due by [ORIGINAL DUE DATE].

I sent a friendly payment reminder on [DATE OF FIRST CHASE] and a formal follow-up on [DATE OF SECOND CHASE]. I have not received payment or a satisfactory response.

Amount now owed:

What I need you to do:

You must, within 14 days of the date of this letter (by [DATE 14 DAYS FROM NOW]):

1. Pay the full amount of £[TOTAL AMOUNT] by bank transfer to:

   • Account name: [YOUR ACCOUNT NAME]
   • Sort code: [SORT CODE]
   • Account number: [ACCOUNT NUMBER]
   • Reference: [INVOICE NUMBER]

2. Or contact me to agree a repayment plan in writing.

3. Or if you dispute this debt, write to me setting out your reasons clearly.

What happens if you do not respond:

If I do not receive payment or a written response within 14 days, I will issue a claim through Money Claims Online (the small claims court for England and Wales) without further notice. This may result in:

• A County Court Judgment (CCJ) being registered against your name
• Additional court fees being added to your debt
• The CCJ remaining on your credit file for six years

I would much prefer to resolve this without going to court. If you are experiencing financial difficulty, please contact me so we can try to find a solution.

Important: This letter is sent in compliance with the Practice Direction on Pre-Action Conduct and Protocols. You should consider seeking independent legal advice.

Yours sincerely,

[YOUR FULL NAME] [YOUR BUSINESS NAME] [YOUR PHONE NUMBER] [YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS]

Notes for you (delete before sending):

• Send by recorded delivery AND email - you need proof they received it
• Keep the recorded delivery receipt and tracking number
• Start your 14-day countdown from the date they receive it (check tracking)
• If you need to actually file a small claims claim, go to www.moneyclaims.service.gov.uk
• Court fees depend on the amount: up to £300 = £35 fee, up to £500 = £50, up to £1,000 = £70, up to £1,500 = £80, up to £3,000 = £115
• You can add the court fee to your claim
• Consider getting a free 30-minute legal advice session before filing (many solicitors offer this)