10 · Other Legal Services
Legal Notices & Replies
A legal notice is a formal written communication setting out a claim or grievance, often sent before legal proceedings begin.
Formal letters sent before, or in response to, legal action.
What this covers
- 01Notices demanding payment
- 02Notices under specific statutes
- 03Replies to legal notices
- 04Notices of termination
- 05Notices to government bodies
How it generally works
Some laws require a notice before proceedings can begin — for example section 80 of the Code of Civil Procedure for suits against the government, and section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act for cheque dishonour.
Even where not required, a notice records the claim, gives the other side an opportunity to respond, and can lead to settlement.
A reply to a notice should be considered carefully, since what it says may be relied on later.
