Overview
A legal notice is a formal letter telling the other side what your grievance is, what you want them to do, and that you may go to court if they don't. It is often the first step in a dispute and is required by law in some cases: for example, a suit against the government generally needs two months' notice under section 80 of the Code of Civil Procedure, and a cheque bounce case needs a demand notice within the statutory period.
A notice works best when it states the facts accurately, refers to the right law and documents, and makes a clear, reasonable demand. It is usually sent on an advocate's letterhead by registered post or speed post (and often by email), keeping proof of dispatch and delivery.
Our team takes down your facts and documents, and the notice is drafted, signed and sent by an advocate we work with. If the other side replies, we tell you the options for the next step. If you'd rather write it yourself, our free legal notice format is a good start.
Who needs it
- People owed money: unpaid salary, invoices, loans or deposits
- Tenants or landlords in a rent or deposit dispute
- Consumers with a defective product or deficient service
- Businesses facing a breach of contract
Documents required
What we usually ask for. Our team confirms the exact list for your case before anything is filed.
- Your name and address, and the other side's
- A short account of what happened, with dates
- Supporting documents: agreements, invoices, receipts, messages, emails
- What you want: payment, return of a deposit, an apology, specific action
How it works
- 1
Tell us the facts
You share what happened and the documents; we ask follow-up questions.
- 2
Draft
An advocate drafts the notice with the facts, the law and a clear demand and deadline.
- 3
Your approval
You review the draft. Nothing is sent until you approve it.
- 4
Send
The notice is sent on the advocate's letterhead by registered or speed post (and email where useful), and the proofs are shared with you.
- 5
Next steps
If the other side replies or doesn't respond, we explain your options.
Typical timeline
Drafting depends on how quickly the facts and documents come together. Any period the notice must allow (for example two months for a suit against the government, or fifteen days to pay a dishonoured cheque) is set by the law that applies to your case.
Prefer to do it yourself?
- Free legal notice format — A sample notice with placeholders, what to include and mistakes to avoid.
Get a free quote
Answer a few questions and our team will contact you. It takes about two minutes.
Official sources
The government portals and laws this page is based on:
Please note