The letter before action: the step most people skip
Before you issue a claim, the courts expect a letter first. What a letter before action must contain, the 30-day debt rule, and the free routes to try first.
Letters Before Action
A letter before action (LBA) — also called a letter before claim — is the formal written notice you send before starting a court claim in England & Wales. Courts expect one under the pre-action protocols, and a well-written LBA often settles a dispute without a hearing at all. These free step-by-step guides cover both sides of the process: sending a letter before action and responding to one. Start with our letter before claim guide if you’re the one owed money or redress, use the final demand letter guide to chase money you are owed properly, or see how to respond to a letter before action if you’ve received one. When you’re ready to negotiate, our without prejudice settlement offer letter guide explains how to make or answer a settlement offer without weakening your position. For every other letter, complaint or notice, visit our Letters & Correspondence hub. And if the letter does not settle it, our Money Claim Online walkthrough shows you exactly what starting a claim involves, step by step. Every guide is free to read — and when you’re ready, Chris can help you draft your own documents to a professional standard, in minutes.
Letter Before Claim: The Pre-Action Letter That Often Settles It (2026 Guide)
Before you issue a money claim, you must send a Letter Before Claim. Done right it often gets you paid without court. Chris drafts yours.
Letters & Correspondence: Draft Any Letter, Complaint or Notice (England & Wales)
By the eLitigant Editorial Team · Reviewed for current forms, fees & procedure · How we check our guides Draft
Without Prejudice Settlement Offer Letter: How to Make or Respond to a Settlement Offer
By the eLitigant Editorial Team · Reviewed for current forms, fees & procedure · How we check our guides Draft
How to Respond to a Letter Before Action (Letter Before Claim)
By the eLitigant Editorial Team · Reviewed for current forms, fees & procedure · How we check our guides Where
Final Demand Letter: How to Chase Money You Are Owed Before Court
By the eLitigant Editorial Team · Reviewed for current forms, fees & procedure · How we check our guides Draft