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Small claims letter of claim

To: The defendant (individual or company)

Timeline: Most defendants settle within 14–28 days of a formal letter of claim — before any court filingOutcomes: 70%+ of small claims settle before the hearing once formal proceedings are issued

Deadline / timing: Send letter of claim 14 days (consumer) or 28 days (business) before issuing proceedings. 6-year limitation (Limitation Act 1980 s.5).

Filing instructions →

Your first letter is free. No card, no signup required.

Tell us about your situation

We ask only what we need to draft the right letter. Approximately 3 minutes.

Your full name (Claimant) *

Your address *

Your email

Your phone

Defendant name (individual or company full name) *

Defendant address (registered office for companies) *

Type of claim *

Contract / incident date *

Amount claimed — principal (£) *

Interest claimed (£) — 8% per annum statutory rate

Summary of facts and basis of claim *

What was agreed, what the defendant did or failed to do, when you first raised it, what the defendant said. Be factual and chronological.

Have you already demanded payment / performance?

Dates and method — email, letter, verbal. Include ref numbers.

Evidence enclosed with this letter

Contract, invoices, photos, emails, quotes. List by item — include as enclosures.

Are you willing to attempt mediation / ADR?

Free preview before any payment.

What this letter will cite

CPR Pt.27 — Claims up to £10,000 (England/Wales) allocated to small claims track; limited cost recovery; no formal legal representation required.
Pre-Action Protocol — Courts expect parties to comply: send a detailed letter of claim, allow 14–30 days to respond, attempt ADR before issuing proceedings.
Money Claim Online — Online portal to issue a money claim up to £100,000: moneyclaim.gov.uk. Court fee: 5% of claim (min £35).
Limitation Act 1980 s.5 — 6-year limitation period for contract claims from the date the cause of action arose.

AEQUARA UK provides AI-assisted self-help correspondence — not legal advice. For high-stakes disputes, court proceedings, or matters requiring legal representation, consult a qualified solicitor. Citizens Advice: 0800 144 8848 · Law Society Solicitor Finder: solicitors.lawsociety.org.uk