Letter of Intent

A Letter of Intent (LOI) is a document signed between two parties when they wish to commence formal negotiations.

calendar_month

Last updated October 23, 2025

flag

Suitable for Australia

Letter of Intent

Create & Customise Legal Templates Online

legal documents graphic

What is a letter of intent?

A letter of intent is a document signed by two parties to signal the start of formal negotiations, outlining preliminary terms before a binding agreement is finalised.
legal documents graphic

When should you use a letter of intent?

Use a letter of intent when you want to begin negotiations quickly and set out basic terms before a formal contract is drafted, especially in time-sensitive or complex transactions.
legal documents graphic

What should be in a letter of intent?

A letter of intent should include key terms, confidentiality clauses, timelines, termination rights, costs, and any specific obligations or objectives agreed upon by both parties.
docs

Create unlimited legal documents and eSignatures for only $39/month.

Upgrade to a Lawpath legal plan to boost your new business.

View plans & pricing

How to create a legal document

  • check_circle

    Access the Document Library

  • check_circle

    Select the template that matches your needs

  • check_circle

    Customise by adding or removing clauses with assistance from Lawpath AI

  • check_circle

    Personalise with your headers, footers, logos, or additional text

  • check_circle

    Store all documents securely in your account for easy access

Start creating your first document

Frequently asked questions

Is a letter of intent legally binding in Australia?

keyboard_arrow_up

How does a letter of intent protect my confidential information?

keyboard_arrow_up

What happens if negotiations break down after signing?

keyboard_arrow_up

Can I use this document for any type of negotiation?

keyboard_arrow_up

What are the main risks of using a letter of intent?

keyboard_arrow_up

How does this differ from a memorandum of understanding?

keyboard_arrow_up

What steps should I take after signing?

keyboard_arrow_up

View Sample Letter of Intent

Letter of Intent
risk level indicator at Low level

The Legal Risk Score of a Letter of Intent Template is Low

Our legal team have marked this document as low risk considering:

  • The document outlines that the terms within the Letter of Intent are not intended to be legally binding except where explicitly stated, which implies there is a risk that commitments made during this stage might not be enforceable.
  • Each party bears its own costs related to the negotiation and drafting of the Proposed Agreement, regardless of whether the agreement proceeds, which could result in financial loss if the agreement does not materialize.
  • The Letter of Intent includes a clause that allows either party to terminate negotiations at any time without explanation, which introduces uncertainty and the potential for abrupt cessation of discussions without recourse.

Meet Our Users

Articles about Letter of Intent

No Regrets - Legal Contract Negotiation
By Dominic Woolrych|Apr 25, 2013

No Regrets - Legal Contract Negotiation

Read this article for some important notes on ethical legal contract negotiation.

Memorandum Of Understanding vs Letter Of Intent Differences
By Taeisha Dou|Oct 1, 2024

Memorandum Of Understanding vs Letter Of Intent Differences

A memorandum of understanding and a letter of intent differ largely in regards to their legality. Read our article to find out which one you need.

What to Include in a Memorandum of Understanding
By James Hodgson|Dec 3, 2025

What to Include in a Memorandum of Understanding

Not sure what a Memorandum of Understanding is, or what you should include? This guide will help clarify some questions you might have.

The Lawpath Blog
By 1476|

The Lawpath Blog

Stay up to date with legal concepts, tactics and strategies for your business

What Is An Engagement Letter?
By Raja Abbas|Feb 11, 2024

What Is An Engagement Letter?

Raja Abbas Content Writer Based in Sydney, Raja is a law student enrolled in a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Communications (Writing and Publishing) at the University of Technology Sydney. He is passionate about transferring knowledge in relation to businesses, legal advice and marketing direction. Raja has experience working in immigration law and is […]

How to Onboard a New Employee Remotely
By Tom Willis|Feb 20, 2024

How to Onboard a New Employee Remotely

Trying to onboard an employee remotely? Not sure where to start? This article will cover the ins and outs of the entire process.

8 Essential Legal Documents for Startups
By Zoe Spanos|Aug 12, 2022

8 Essential Legal Documents for Startups

Legal documents for startups are so important. They can minimise the risk of mistakes which would be costly down the line.

Term Sheet vs Memorandum of Understanding
By Cecilia Tran|Nov 21, 2025

Term Sheet vs Memorandum of Understanding

Looking to understand the difference between a term sheet and a memorandum of understanding?Read this article to find out what they are and when to use them.

How to Write a Letter of Demand in Australia (+Template)
By Paul Taylor|Aug 5, 2019

How to Write a Letter of Demand in Australia (+Template)

The thought of legal action due to debt can be daunting. Start with a letter of demand to recuperate unpaid debt — template inside!

Looking for more documents?

Privacy Policy

A Privacy Policy outlines how your business will use, store and collect your customers' information. A Privacy Policy is required by law in certain circumstances.

Get document

Loan Agreement

This Loan Agreement can be used by lender when offering a loan to a Borrower.

Get document

Non-Disclosure Agreement (Mutual)

A Non-Disclosure Agreement (Mutual) allows you and another party to share confidential information while legally forbidding either party from disclosing that information to any other person or entity.

Get document

Non-Disclosure Agreement (One Way)

A Non-Disclosure Agreement (One Way) allows you and another party to share confidential information while legally forbidding the other party from disclosing that information to any other person or entity.

Get document

Business Sale Agreement

A Business Sale Agreement is used to clearly set out all relevant terms of the sale when selling or buying a business.

Get document

Shareholders Agreement

A Shareholders Agreement allows you to clarify the relationship between shareholders of your company.

Get document

Services Agreement (Pro-Supplier)

This Services Agreement (Pro-Supplier) sets out the relationship between you, the service provider, and the business receiving the services. This version of the Services Agreement is drafted in favour of the supplier from a commercial and legal perspective.

Get document

Discretionary Trust Deed

A Discretionary Trust Deed is used to establish a discretionary trust in any state or territory in Australia.

Get document
Browse all legal documents