You may compose and send your own Letter Before Action, which will be legally valid so long as you meet all the requirements. However, you may find that an LBA drafted and sent by a solicitor is more effective.
An LBA from a solicitor shows that you are serious about pursuing the debt, have invested in support and have a solicitor in place to pursue the next steps swiftly if needed. Often this will prompt payment of the debt without the need for court action, saving you time and money on court fees. In comparison, a home drafted LBA may seem like an empty threat – your debtor may assume that, as you have not invested in legal support, you will not invest in following through.
If the matter goes to court, a good LBA that meets all requirements can help your case by showing that you have taken reasonable steps to avoid legal action.