A clear demand letter settles more disputes than most lawsuits ever get filed for. It shows you're serious, sets the record, and starts the clock. Answer a few questions and get a clean draft you can take to counsel.
Plain facts, in order. Dates, amounts, what was promised, what went wrong.
Draft demand letterReview before sending
Before you send it
Send it so you can prove delivery — certified mail with return receipt, or email with a read receipt. Keep a copy of everything.
Attach your proof — the contract, receipts, photos, texts. Reference them in the letter.
Keep the tone factual and calm. The goal is a record a judge would find reasonable, not to vent.
Give a real deadline and mean it. An empty threat weakens everything you send after.
Don't do this: never threaten criminal charges or reporting someone to authorities to force a payment on a civil debt — that can itself be illegal (extortion). Keep the demand to what you're actually owed. And don't state a legal deadline you haven't confirmed.
This is a starting draft and general information, not legal advice, and it creates no attorney-client relationship. Have a licensed attorney review it before you send — especially the deadline, the amount, and any mention of specific legal claims. The right wording can preserve rights; the wrong wording can waive them.
Educational tool · The Ticktin Suite. The paper record you make today is the case you have tomorrow.