Short answer
Prepare the statutory demand, service evidence, debt documents, correspondence, payment history, security documents, any court or petition papers and a short chronology before requesting a quote.
Quick checklist
Start with these
Best order
How to organise the first pack
- Put the demand, service date and any threatened petition date first.
- Add the documents said to create the debt.
- Group dispute, set-off, payment and security evidence separately.
- Add court papers, previous judgments or settlement correspondence.
- Include a one-page chronology of debt, demand, service and response events.
Record The Demand And Service Details
A statutory demand can lead to serious insolvency consequences if not dealt with correctly. The first review needs the demand itself, who served it, when it was served or received, how service was attempted and whether any petition or application has been threatened.
Avoid relying on memory for dates. Use the date shown on the demand, covering letter, email, process-server note, postal evidence or court papers where available.
Debt And Dispute Evidence
The documents should show whether the debt is admitted, disputed, partly disputed, secured or already subject to proceedings.
- Contracts, invoices, loan agreements, guarantees, account statements or judgment documents.
- Correspondence about the debt, payment requests, dispute notices and settlement offers.
- Evidence of payment, part payment, set-off, cross-claim, defective work or disputed performance.
- Security documents, charges, retention of title material or insolvency practitioner correspondence.
- Existing claim forms, judgments, applications, petitions or bankruptcy and winding-up papers.
What A Barrister May Be Asked To Do
A barrister may advise on debt evidence, dispute grounds, insolvency risk, potential applications, draft evidence or represent at a suitable hearing. Creditors may also ask for advice before taking insolvency steps.
Some statutory demand matters need solicitor involvement for urgent filing, service, litigation conduct, correspondence or linked insolvency proceedings.
Procedure Review Note
This guide deliberately avoids giving step-by-step deadline advice. Statutory demand procedure differs for individuals and companies and should be checked against the current papers, rules and specialist advice.
Avoid delays
What not to send first
- Sending only the demand without the debt documents.
- Leaving out how and when the demand was served.
- Ignoring petition, bankruptcy, winding-up or application dates.
- Assuming a quote request pauses insolvency deadlines.
Source/review note: statutory demand and insolvency procedure should be checked against current GOV.UK insolvency materials, the Insolvency Rules and specialist insolvency review before publication or use in a live matter.
Editorial status: source and legal review required. No completed legal review is claimed.
Statutory Demand Barrister Response Checklist FAQs
What should I send after receiving a statutory demand?
Send the demand, service details, debt documents, dispute evidence, payment history, correspondence and any court, bankruptcy or winding-up papers.
Can a barrister advise a creditor before a demand is served?
A barrister may advise on debt evidence, dispute risk and insolvency strategy before a creditor decides what step to take, subject to suitability.
Does this checklist tell me the deadline for responding?
No. Deadlines are fact-sensitive and can be serious. Include all exact dates in the enquiry and obtain specific advice promptly.
Ask For A Barrister Quote
Barristers4U helps clients request a quote from a suitable Direct Access barrister. The information on this page is general information only, not legal advice about your individual circumstances.
If your matter is urgent, include hearing dates, court deadlines, orders and any documents you already have when you submit your enquiry.
