Formal correspondence

Correspondence may include

Formal correspondence transmitted through Notice Office identifies the sender, the matter, the position asserted, the action requested, and any response date. It is private correspondence.

Notice of dispute
Written communication identifying an existing disagreement or contested matter.
Demand for resolution
A formal request that an identified matter be addressed or resolved.
Notice of breach
Correspondence asserting failure to comply with an agreement.
Notice of nonperformance
Correspondence asserting failure to perform an obligation.
Request for response
A documented request that the recipient respond concerning an identified matter, often by a stated date.
Settlement correspondence
Communications concerning a proposed voluntary resolution of an existing matter.
Preservation request
A request that potentially relevant documents, communications, records, electronically stored information, or other material be preserved.
Notice of intended civil action
Where genuinely applicable, correspondence advising that the sender intends to consider or pursue lawful proceedings if a matter remains unresolved.
Other private formal correspondence
Other written communications concerning an identified private matter.

Reading a notice

Review the complete communication

Recipients of formal correspondence should review the complete communication carefully and retain a copy for their records. Particular attention should be given to:

The sender or claimant
The person or entity asserting the position, request, claim, or demand described in the communication.
The subject matter
The transaction, event, agreement, conduct, obligation, property, payment, or other circumstances giving rise to the communication.
The position asserted
The factual or legal position stated by the sender.
The action requested
Any response, payment, performance, correction, documentation, preservation, communication, or other action requested.
The response date
Any date by which a response has been requested or is otherwise stated to be due.
Supporting material
Documents, records, photographs, agreements, invoices, communications, or other information accompanying or referenced by the notice.
The Matter Reference
The administrative reference used to identify subsequent correspondence.

Documented transmission

Notice and delivery

Formal correspondence may be transmitted using one or more methods appropriate to the particular matter: electronic correspondence, physical mail, certified or tracked mail, courier delivery, personal delivery where appropriate, or other documented transmission methods.

Where delivery information exists, that information may be referenced or preserved in connection with the applicable correspondence.

  1. Issued , then
  2. Transmitted , then
  3. Delivered , then
  4. Response requested , then
  5. Response received

A delivery record documents transmission or receipt only. It does not independently determine the legal effect of the underlying communication.

Notice Office

Received a notice?

Review the complete communication. Identify the Matter Reference. Preserve the accompanying materials. Follow the response instructions contained within the notice.