When to use it
Send it once the 10-day deadline in the formal demand has expired and your hand is on the door handle. The letter is not required by law — but statistically it is the one that most often triggers payment, because the consequence is now concrete and tied to a date instead of being a threat about something vague.
It has to be right
The wording is rarely the problem. It is the deadline, the fee and what the letter leaves out — and the mistake costs you the expenses, not the debtor.
- Send it only once the 10-day deadline in the formal demand has expired
- Be specific about what happens next — not "legal action", but what you will actually do
- Give one last, short deadline. Two to three days is enough at this stage
- Only promise what you will actually carry out. Empty threats breach god inkassoskik (proper debt collection practice)
How to fill it in
Most placeholders are trivial. These are not.
- [DATE — 2-3 DAYS AHEAD]
- A short deadline. By this point the debtor has had more than a month. Another long deadline signals that nothing is going to happen anyway.
- [DEBT COLLECTION PARTNER]
- Name them. A specific name and a specific date work where 'legal action' does not.
Frequently asked questions
Is the letter required by law?
No. The formal demand with its collection notice (inkassovarsel) is the one required by law. This is a final, voluntary notice — but it is often the most effective letter in the entire process.
May I threaten legal action?
Only if you genuinely intend to take it and are in a position to do so. Empty threats breach god inkassoskik (proper debt collection practice) — and debtors who have seen it before will see straight through them.
How to use it
Legal disclaimer. The template is generic and free to use. It is not legal advice and does not take account of the circumstances of your particular case. Rates, deadlines and statutory references change — check them before you use the document. If the claim is large, disputed or heading for court, call us before you send anything.