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Letter Before Small Claims Template
How to send a formal letter before starting small claims court proceedings — what to include, your legal rights, and a free letter generator.
← All Letter Templates · Consumer Rights · Last updated 18 August 2026
This is free rights guidance, not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, see our About page or contact Citizens Advice.
If you need to send a formal letter before starting small claims court proceedings, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong letter before small claims should include, plus a free tool to generate yours.
What this letter needs to cover
- Identify the dispute with full background
- Sums claimed and how they are calculated
- Reference the Practice Direction on Pre-Action Conduct
- Give 14 days to settle in full or propose a reasonable resolution
- Warn that failure to respond will result in a claim being issued in the County Court without further notice and that costs may be recovered
See our full letter template library for related templates, or use our free checkers for guidance specific to your situation.
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