Letter before action template

A letter before action (also called a "letter before claim") is the formal final warning you send before taking an unpaid invoice to court. It sets out what is owed, gives a clear deadline, and states that you will consider legal action if it is not paid. Many disputes settle at this stage. Fill in the details below to generate one.

Your name

Your business name (optional)

Client / debtor name

Invoice number

Amount owed (£)

Original due date

Days to pay (from today) 14 days is common for a letter before action.

What to include in a letter before action

The amount owed and the invoice it relates to.
A short summary of what has happened (invoice issued, due date, reminders sent, still unpaid).
A clear deadline to pay - commonly 14 days from the date of the letter.
What you will do if it is not met (consider statutory interest and compensation, and court action).
An invitation to get in touch if there is a genuine dispute.

Keep it factual and professional. Work out any interest and compensation you are owed with our late payment interest calculator, and see what to do when a client won't pay for the full escalation path.

Better still, don't let it get this far

Most invoices never reach a letter before action if they are chased properly from day one. Badger sends polite-then-firm reminders for you, automatically, and keeps a record of every one. Your first chase is free.

Start chasing free

This is a general template for guidance only and is not legal advice. If you are claiming from an individual or a sole trader, the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims sets out additional steps you must follow before starting court action - check gov.uk or take advice before sending. Send important letters in a way you can prove was delivered.