What is Short-form Notice?

Class action glossary term

Short Definition

A condensed notice (often a postcard or email) that highlights key points and directs you to the long-form notice for details.

What It Means

Short-form notices are designed to be quick to read. They usually include the settlement name, who may be included, the website, key deadlines, and a summary of your options. The fine print and full rules are typically in the long-form notice.

Example

Example: A postcard with a URL and deadlines for claiming, opting out, and objecting.

Why It Matters

Short-form notices are easy to miss—but they often contain the deadlines that matter.

Related Terms

Long-form notice

Notice of Proposed Settlement

Settlement website

Claim deadline

Primary Source

Federal Judicial Center – Illustrative Forms of Class-Action Notices

Transparency

This class action term is explained for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Definitions and applications may vary by jurisdiction and case context.

To see how this term is applied in real cases, explore current and past class action settlements.