Create a Free Demand Letter Using Our Template

You can write a professional demand letter using our interactive demand letter template to structure your demand letter correctly.

To write a demand letter on your own, you will need:

• The other party's address. Ideally, you will mail your letter so that it can be taken more seriously. Additionally, some states require that your letter be sent using certified mail (we can handle the shipping for you). If you don't have an individual's address, try googling their phone number or consider running a skip trace. If you don't have a business address, you can look up the business information on the Secretary of State website for the states where they do business or are headquartered. For our demand letters written by an attorney, we can help you find the other party's address. You will list the other party's address at the top of the letter.

• Start with your request. For example, "I am writing this letter to demand the immediate return of my $3,000 security deposit" or "I am writing this letter to demand the immediate return of my dog, Snoopy."

• The facts of the case. Outline what happened that led to you sending a demand letter. You can reference and attach evidence. For example, "On March 3, 2025, the invoice for $4,000 became due. See Exhibit A Invoice."

• Provide a deadline. For example, "I demand full payment of the $6,000 by September 1, 2025. I intend to pursue legal action if payment is not received by this date."

• Your contact information. To keep a paper trail, try to only offer communication in writing. For example, "If you have any questions, I can be reached strictly via email at [email protected]."

Tips:

• Be polite but firm. Don’t insult or threaten the other person.

• Stick to facts. Include dates, amounts, and any agreements (written or verbal).

• Provide a clear deadline. You don't want confusion when it comes to getting your request met.

What you don’t say in a demand letter is just as important as what you do say. Here are the main things you should avoid:

1. Threats of violence or revenge
   Never say things like “I’ll ruin your business” or “You’ll be sorry.” That can be illegal and hurt your case.

2. Lies or exaggerations
   Don’t make up facts or stretch the truth. If it goes to court, false statements can make you look bad.

3. Emotional language
   Avoid name-calling, insults, or venting your anger. Keep it calm and professional.

4. Legal terms you don’t understand
   If you use complicated legal language incorrectly, it can confuse things or weaken your message.

5. Promises you can’t keep
   Don’t say things like “I’ll sue you tomorrow” unless you’re really prepared to do that.

6. Sensitive personal information
   Don’t include things like your Social Security number or banking info, only what's needed for your claim.

7. Open-ended deadlines
   Don’t say “Get back to me when you can.” Always set a clear deadline (like 14 days).

We offer three different fixed and affordable pricing options for demand letters to help you manage your legal costs.

Free – Interactive Demand Letter Template

Create a professional, court-compliant letter at no cost using our interactive demand letter template. You’ll be able to download and mail the demand letter yourself.

A good fit if you’re comfortable doing it on your own.

$29.50 – Demand Letter + Shipping

Use our interactive demand letter template, and we will mail your demand letter for you using certified or priority mail. This includes tracking, delivery updates, and priority email support. If your demand letter gets delayed, we’ll replace it for free.

Ideal if you want a hassle-free way to get your letter delivered.

$300 – Attorney Demand Letter

Written and signed by a licensed attorney, it is mailed on our law firm’s letterhead. It comes with certified or priority shipping and tracking. Learn more about our lawyer demand letters.

Many people choose this option when they want to be taken seriously from the start.

A demand letter should be detailed enough to clearly explain your case, but not so long that it gets confusing or overwhelming.

What to Include:

1. Who you are
   Your full name and contact info.

2. Who you're writing to
   Their name, business (if any), and address.

3. What happened
   Explain clearly what happened. For example: “On April 10, 2025, I paid you $500 to repair my fence. You never completed the work.”

4. What you want
   The specific amount you’re asking for: “I am requesting a refund of $500.”

5. Why it’s fair
   Mention contracts, photos, receipts, or other proof: “I’ve attached a copy of our signed agreement and a photo of the incomplete work.”

6. A deadline
   “Please respond by May 21, 2025, so we can resolve this without legal action.”

7. A respectful tone
   Stay calm and professional, don’t threaten or insult.

Not Too Much Detail:

• Don’t include every little fact or emotion.

• Don’t argue or guess at the other person’s reasons.

• Save legal talk for court or a lawyer, if needed.

Yes, a demand letter can backfire in some situations, especially if it's poorly written and comes across as threatening, unclear, or unprofessional, which might hurt your chances of settling the issue or even be used against you later.

In order to avoid problems, make sure you:

• Are calm and respectful.

• Stick to facts, don’t exaggerate.

• Don’t make threats you can’t follow through on.

• Consider having a lawyer write the demand letter for you.

Ways a Demand Letter Could Backfire:

1. It could be used against you in court.
   If your letter has anything false, emotional, or threatening, it might hurt your case later.

2. You look unreasonable.
   If you ask for too much or set a deadline that’s too short, a judge might think you're not being fair.

3. Poor Structure.
   Writing a letter that’s rambling, unorganized, or unclear about what you actually want may cause the other party to not take you seriously. 

Yes, you are not required to have a lawyer write a demand letter for you. But in some cases, having a lawyer can make the letter stronger and more effective. 

When It’s Okay to Do It Yourself:

• The amount of money is small.

• The issue is simple and clear.

• You feel comfortable writing the letter on your own.

When You Might Want a Lawyer:

• You want the letter to be taken more seriously.

• The situation is complicated.

• A lot of money is involved.

• You’re dealing with a business or insurance company.

• You’re worried the other person might sue you back.

• You want to make sure the letter is worded just right.

After you send a demand letter, there are a few possible next steps depending on how the other person responds:

1. They Agree to Settle

• They pay you, return the item, or fix the issue.

• The dispute is resolved.

2. They Want to Negotiate

• They may contact you to offer a lower amount or suggest a different solution.

• You can choose to accept, reject, or negotiate further.

3. They Ignore the Letter

• If you don’t hear back by your deadline, you can:

  • Send a final reminder.

  • Take legal action (like filing in small claims court).

  • Ask a lawyer to send a follow-up letter.

4. You File a Lawsuit

• If the issue isn’t resolved, going to court might be your next step.

• If you're going to small claims court, you don't have to hire a lawyer who charges by the hour or asks for a big retainer. Instead, hire a law firm like JusticeDirect Law that offers fixed prices, so you only pay for what you need and can keep costs under control.

5. Keep Records

• Save copies of the demand letter, proof of delivery, and any responses.

• This shows the court that you tried to solve the problem first.