Create My Docs · Letter Before Action Guide

What should a letter before action include?

Where no specific pre-action protocol applies, the Practice Direction describes the usual information a claimant should provide before proceedings. A good letter is concise but specific enough for the recipient to understand the claim and respond.

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Who the parties are

Identify yourself and the person or organisation you say is responsible.

The basis of your claim

Explain the legal or factual basis on which you say the claim arises without exaggeration or unsupported allegations.

A summary of the facts

Set out the key events in a logical order, including important dates.

What you want

State the outcome or remedy you seek.

How money is calculated

If you claim a specific sum, explain how you reached that figure.

What happens next

State the response you are asking for and the reasonable period you are allowing, taking account of any protocol that applies.

Official source: Civil Procedure Rules: Pre-Action Conduct. This is general information, not legal advice. Check the protocol and rules that apply to your claim.