Step-by-step guide to form SD4

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

This step-by-step guide to form SD4 makes completing the SD4 statutory demand form as simple as possible. Form SD4 is the right form for you if you have an unpaid court order for £5,000 or more against an individual. It is the first official step if you want to threaten the person with bankruptcy if they do not pay up and can be very effective in prompting action.

Once you have filled in the SD4 form, you must do everything you reasonably can to bring it to the debtor’s attention and, wherever it is practical to do so, you must give it to them in person.

Keep a record of the time, date and address where the statutory demand was handed to the person who owes you and keep anything else that confirms they received it, eg correspondence from them mentioning it. If you do later wish to apply to court to make them bankrupt, you will need to prove that you served the SD4 form properly.

If you do not have a court judgment for the debt, you need form SD1.

Q&A

  • When should I use this document?

    You can use this step-by-step guide to form SD4 to help you fill in your statutory demand form properly.

    The SD4 form is appropriate if you are owed £5,000 or more by an individual under a court order. The individual can be anyone, whether or not they are a business themselves, for example a customer, a sole trader or a partner in a partnership (although not in an LLP).

    You could use the SD4 statutory demand whether or not you are sure you want to actually take them to court to try and make them bankrupt. The statutory demand itself can be a helpful tool to prompt payment in itself.

  • What does this document cover?

    This step-by-step guide to properly completing form SD4 takes you through the form-filling process, explaining simply what to put in each box (and which boxes to leave blank) depending on your circumstances.

  • Why do I need this document?

    It is important to fill in the SD4 statutory demand form accurately. This guide will help you.

    In the event that your SD4 form does not prompt a payment of the debt, you may wish to take the next step by starting bankruptcy proceedings. If your SD4 form is not correct, it can cause expensive delays to this process as you will be required to take steps to correct it.

  • Where can I find out more?

    There is additional guidance about using statutory demands, including how to properly serve it on the person who owes you money, at Dealing with late payment without going to court.

    Form SD4 is one of a number of statutory demand forms, each suitable for a slightly different situation. The others are covered in:

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