Free Australian letter template

Old debt letter template

Ask for records about an old claim, after getting advice about your circumstances. Read the step-by-step guide first if you are unsure.

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Before writing about an old debt

The ACCC recommends getting legal advice before paying or confirming an old debt in writing. Payment history, written acknowledgement and court action can matter. Read the source.

Get free help before deciding what to send. This builder cannot tell whether a debt is statute-barred.

01 Start with the basicsHave you received court documents about this claim?

Your name

Your postal address (optional)Only include contact details you want in your letter.

Letter date

02 Identify the claim

Collector or creditor nameUse the organisation’s verified name.

Account or collector reference

Original creditor (optional)

Amount claimed in AUD (optional)

How did they contact you?

Date of letter, call or message (optional)

03 Make the request yours

Last payment date, if knownFor your own preparation only. This date is not included in the letter.

The draft asks for records. It makes no claim that a time limit has expired.

I understand I should get free advice before paying or admitting an old debt.

Before you send

Read your complete draft

Check the recipient independently and read every line.
Keep a copy and a record of when and how you sent it.
Attach relevant copies yourself. The builder does not attach files.
If the claim is old, get advice before paying or admitting it.

I have read the preview and checked the details are accurate.

Your draftUpdates as you type

Request for records about an old alleged debt

[Your name]

[Date]

To: [Collector name]

Reference: [Reference number]

Request for records about an old alleged debt

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing about your recent contact, reference [Reference number].

I am seeking advice about this old claim. I do not admit liability for the alleged debt.

Please provide the original agreement, an account statement and records of any payment or written acknowledgement on which you rely.

Please confirm whether you rely on a court judgment. If so, please provide the court name, case number, judgment date and a copy of the judgment.

Please explain the basis on which you are pursuing this claim and pause collection contact while I obtain advice.

Please respond in writing.

Yours faithfully,

[Your name]

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This is general information to help you write your own letter. It isn't legal or financial advice and doesn't consider your situation. For free, confidential help, call the National Debt Helpline on 1800 007 007.

Check every detail before sending. This is general information, not individual advice.

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When to use this letter

This template is for requesting records about an old claim after considering the warning above and obtaining advice about your circumstances. It does not declare that the debt is statute-barred. The National Debt Helpline explains why payment history, written acknowledgement, the kind of debt and court judgments matter.

The ACCC recommends legal advice before paying or confirming an old debt in writing. A recent collector letter does not, by itself, tell you when a relevant time period started or whether court action has happened. Do not use the age of an account as a verdict.

What to gather before sending

Prepare a private timeline of account records, payments, correspondence and any court papers. Mark missing dates as unknown. Separate a date shown on a statement from one you only remember. The optional last-payment date in this builder is a preparation note and is excluded from the generated letter.

Keep original documents for an adviser. The builder cannot receive attachments, check a court register or assess a limitation period. If you have court papers or are unsure, the export controls pause and direct you to free help.

What happens after you send it

The draft asks for the agreement, statement, payment or acknowledgement records, and details of any court judgment relied on. These requests follow the records approach described by the National Debt Helpline. If judgment details arrive, take them to an adviser and ask how to check them with the court.

ASIC's overview describes differences in limitation periods and how later payments or acknowledgements can matter. Keep the response with your timeline rather than calculating an expiry date here. An acknowledgement checkbox is a reminder to seek advice, not confirmation that this letter is suitable for you.

Common questions

Does this tell me whether the debt is statute-barred?

No. It requests records. The age, location, debt type, payment history and court history need individual consideration.

Is the last-payment date included in my letter?

No. It remains a preparation note in this browser tab and is excluded from the exported letter.

Can I send it instead of responding to court papers?

No. Get legal help promptly about the court documents. This letter does not file a response or change a deadline.

Guidance checked 18 October 2026.

Sources you can check

Debt collection: old debts National Debt Helpline · Checked 18 October 2026
Disputing a debt ACCC · Checked 18 October 2026
Debt collection guidance ASIC · Checked 18 October 2026