Step-by-step guide to form SD3

  • Explains what to write in each box on the form
  • Clear and easy to understand
  • Get it right first time to avoid problems later

You can use this step-by-step guide to form SD3 to help make completing the SD3 statutory demand form simple. A statutory demand is a formal, written demand for the payment of a debt.

Form SD3 is the correct form to use if an individual will owe you £5,000 or more and, although the debt in question is not immediately payable, you do not think your debtor has a reasonable prospect of paying you when it does fall due.

Once you have finished your SD2 form using this step-by-step guide, do not just post it to the person who owes you money. There are rules requiring you to do everything you reasonably can to bring it to their attention. Wherever it is practical to do so, you must give it to them in person and keep a record of the time, date and address where it was handed over. If you do later wish to apply to make them bankrupt, you will need to prove that you served the SD3 form properly.

You can also purchase this guide as part of the Debt collection toolkit.

Q&A

  • When should I use this document?

    You can use this step-by-step guide to form SD3 to help you fill in the SD3 statutory demand form properly.

    You need the SD3 form if an individual owes you a debt of £5,000 or more that has not fallen due yet. You can use form SD3 if you believe that they will have no reasonable prospect of paying you when it does fall due. You can use this for any individual, whether they owe you money as a customer/consumer, or if they are a sole trader or a partner in a partnership (unless it is an LLP).

    Even if you are not certain whether you want to pursue bankruptcy proceedings yet, a statutory demand can be a good tactical move, and could prompt payment without you needing to take matters any further.

  • What does this document cover?

    This step-by-step guide to form SD3 helps you fill it in correctly. It covers each box on the form, which to fill in and which to leave blank depending on your circumstances.

  • Why do I need this document?

    The SD3 form is an official document. This guide helps you make sure that you fill it in properly the first time.

    If you do end up starting bankruptcy proceedings against the person who owes your business money, it is particularly important that the form is correct. Mistakes can result in extra costs and unnecessary delays to the process.

  • Where can I find out more?

    For more information about statutory demands, when you might think about using one and the proper process to serve it on your debtor, see Dealing with late payments without going to court.

    For step-by-step guides to the other statutory demand forms, see:

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