A legal notice is often the first formal step in a dispute. A well-drafted notice sets out your claim clearly and can lead to settlement without court. A careless one, or a careless reply, can be used against you later.
When a notice is required by law
- Cheque bounce: a demand notice must be sent within 30 days of learning of the dishonour, before a complaint under Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act.
- Suits against the government: a notice of two months under Section 80 of the Code of Civil Procedure, unless the court permits otherwise in urgent cases.
- Many contracts, leases and arbitration clauses require notice before termination or before starting proceedings.
When a notice is useful
- Recovery of unpaid dues, loans and invoices
- Breach of contract, defamation, or trespass and property disputes
- Consumer complaints against service providers and builders
Received a notice?
- Do not ignore it, and do not reply in anger or without advice.
- Note any deadline in the notice; some, such as a cheque bounce notice, carry legal consequences if not met.
- A considered reply puts your side on record and can prevent false claims from going unanswered.
How we can help
We draft notices that state your claim precisely, and prepare replies that protect your position for any proceedings that may follow.