WHAT IS A LETTER BEFORE ACTION?
A formal demand that tells a debtor you mean business.
A letter before action (sometimes called a letter before claim, or LBA) is a formal written demand for payment, and it's the essential step you must take before starting a court claim. It sets out exactly what is owed, why, and the deadline for paying. When that letter comes on a solicitor's headed paper rather than yours, it carries real weight — most debtors realise the next stop is court, and they pay up.
Our commercial debt recovery solicitors draft and send your letter so it's clear, accurate and fully compliant with the pre-action protocol for debt claims. Get it wrong and a judge can penalise you later, so it pays to do it properly first time. You can read the official rules on how to make a court claim for money on GOV.UK.
How we help
Solicitor's letter before action
A formal demand on our headed paper, naming the debt, the amount and a firm deadline. It signals you're serious and ready to go to court if you have to.
Pre-action protocol compliance
We make sure your letter ticks every box the courts expect, so the debtor can't argue you skipped a step — and so a judge can't dock your costs later.
Statutory interest & compensation
Where the debt is commercial, we add the interest and fixed compensation you're entitled to claim, so you recover more than just the original invoice.
Clear payment deadline
Vague demands get ignored. We give the debtor a definite date to pay by and spell out exactly what happens if they don't.
A credible route to court
Our letter isn't a bluff. If payment doesn't come, we're ready to issue a county court claim and enforce judgment — and the debtor knows it.
Negotiated settlement
Sometimes the answer is a sensible payment plan or a part-payment now. We'll negotiate firmly on your behalf and get a deal in writing.
You may have a claim if…
You're owed money by a business or individual in England or Wales
The debt is due and largely undisputed
You've already requested payment without success
You want a firm but professional next step before court
How your claim works
01
Free assessment
Tell us who owes you, how much and what you've already tried. We'll confirm the debt is worth pursuing and explain your options and likely costs.
02
We send the letter before action
We draft a clear, protocol-compliant letter, add any interest and compensation you can claim, and send it to the debtor with a firm deadline.
03
The debtor responds or pays
Many debtors pay or agree terms once a solicitor's letter arrives. If they reply disputing the debt, we advise you on the best way forward.
04
Escalate to court if needed
If the deadline passes with no payment, we can issue a county court claim and pursue enforcement to recover what you're owed.
Letter before action FAQs
What is a letter before action?+
A letter before action is a formal written demand for payment sent before you start court proceedings. It states what is owed, why, and the deadline to pay, and warns that court action will follow if the debt isn't settled. It's often the quickest, cheapest way to get paid.
Do I have to send one before going to court?+
Yes. Under the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims you're expected to send a compliant letter before you issue a court claim. Skipping it can mean the court stays your case or penalises you on costs, even if you ultimately win, so it's a step worth getting right.
How long does the debtor get to respond?+
For a business debtor, we'd usually give around 14 days to pay or respond. Where the debtor is an individual or sole trader, the debt pre-action protocol requires you to allow 30 days. We'll set the right deadline for your situation.
What if they ignore the letter?+
If the deadline passes with no payment and no genuine dispute, the next step is to issue a county court claim. Once you have judgment, we can enforce it — through bailiffs, an attachment of earnings, a charging order on property or other methods — to recover the money.
Can I add interest and costs?+
For commercial debts, the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998 lets you claim statutory interest plus fixed compensation on top of the sum owed. We'll calculate what you're entitled to and include it in the letter so you recover as much as possible.
How much does it cost?+
We offer fixed-fee letters before action, so you know the cost upfront with no surprises. The exact fee depends on the debt and how it's likely to be defended. We'll quote a clear price at your free assessment before any work begins.
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