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Send a Demand Letter
We create and mail your demand letter for you — professionally written, legally sound, and ready to help you recover what you’re owed.
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We provide state-specific demand letter services across the country. Find your state below to see our tailored guides and packages for your exact dispute.
How Do Demand Letters Work?
A demand letter is a formal notice requesting payment or action from another party before taking legal steps. It’s often the first step before filing a lawsuit, and it gives the recipient a chance to resolve the dispute outside of court. Whether you’re owed money, property, services, or facing a breach of contract — a professional demand letter can be a powerful tool to get results quickly and legally.
Why Demand Letters Work
Demand letters are surprisingly effective — over 85% of recipients either pay up or resolve the issue after receiving one. That’s because a well-written demand letter:
Clearly outlines the dispute
Cites the relevant facts and timeline
States what the sender expects and by when
Warns of potential legal consequences if ignored
It’s a way to show you’re serious — without immediately resorting to a lawsuit. Most people or businesses would rather settle than risk court costs, legal trouble, or a judgment on their record.
What to Include in a Demand Letter
A valid demand letter should include:
Your full name and contact information
The recipient’s name and address
A clear summary of the issue or debt
The exact amount owed (if applicable)
A deadline for response (usually 7–14 days)
A statement of next steps if they don’t respond
Legal language isn’t just about sounding “official” — it helps the letter hold up in court if you eventually file a small claims case. That’s why sending a properly formatted and mailed demand letter is crucial.
Do I Need a Lawyer to Send a Demand Letter?
No. You don’t need a lawyer to send a demand letter. In fact, many individuals and small businesses handle disputes using DIY demand letters. Our platform helps you create a professional, legally sound demand letter in minutes — no legal knowledge needed. Just answer a few questions, and we’ll generate and mail it for you.
What Happens After the Letter Is Sent?
After the letter is delivered:
The recipient reviews your demands.
In most cases, they respond to settle, negotiate, or request more time.
If ignored, you now have proof that you tried to resolve the issue before going to court — a powerful advantage in small claims court.
When Should You Send a Demand Letter?
Sending a demand letter is often the smartest first step when you’re owed money, goods, or services — or when someone has breached a contract or agreement. A demand letter puts your intentions in writing and gives the other party a final chance to resolve the issue before legal action.
You should send a demand letter when:
You’re owed unpaid wages, rent, or invoices
A security deposit hasn’t been returned
A service provider or contractor failed to deliver
A friend or business associate hasn’t repaid a loan
You’re dealing with a breach of agreement (verbal or written)
You want to avoid court fees by resolving the issue directly
Even if you’re planning to take someone to small claims court, most judges expect you to first try resolving the matter yourself. A demand letter serves as proof that you made a reasonable attempt to do so — and it often results in a quicker, out-of-court settlement.
Is a Demand Letter Legally Binding?
A demand letter is not legally binding in itself — but it’s a powerful legal document with real consequences.
When properly written and delivered, a demand letter shows that you’re serious and that you’re keeping written recordsof your dispute. This is crucial if the situation escalates to court.
Here’s why demand letters carry legal weight:
They document your version of the events and what you’re demanding
They show the court that you gave the other party a chance to respond
They create a paper trail that can be used as evidence later
They often prompt quick action to avoid court or further legal action
So while the letter doesn’t legally force someone to pay, it applies psychological and legal pressure — especially if written professionally. Many people comply just to avoid escalating the situation.
What Happens If They Ignore the Demand Letter?
If someone ignores a demand letter, you still win in two ways:
You’ve built legal proof that you attempted to resolve the dispute fairly.
You can now file a small claims lawsuit with confidence and documentation on your side.
In many jurisdictions, courts appreciate seeing a clear timeline of events, especially when you’ve made an effort to solve the issue without legal intervention. A demand letter can often strengthen your small claims case by showing that the defendant was notified and failed to act.
If the recipient ignores the letter:
You can immediately begin preparing to file in small claims court
You can show the court your letter and proof of mailing
The court may view their lack of response as an unwillingness to resolve the matter
That’s why sending a demand letter isn’t just a request — it’s the foundation of your legal case.
Step 1
Answer a Few Simple Questions
Tell us what happened — who owes you, how much, and why. Our system guides you step-by-step with no legal jargon.
Step 2
We Draft Your Demand Letter
Your answers are reviewed and used to create an attorney-drafted demand letter tailored to your case.
Step 3
We Mail It for You
We print and mail the demand letter directly to the recipient via USPS — creating proof you attempted to resolve the matter before court.
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Got questions about how Sue.com works, what’s included in each package, or what happens after your letter is sent? We’ve got you covered — quick, clear answers to help you move forward with confidence.
What is a demand letter?
A demand letter is a formal written request asking someone to fulfill a legal obligation — usually to pay money owed, return property, or take corrective action. It outlines the dispute, states what you’re demanding, and gives a deadline before you take legal steps such as filing in small claims court.
Do I need a lawyer to send a demand letter?
No. You don’t need a lawyer to send a demand letter. In fact, most individuals and small businesses write their own. Our platform helps you create a professionally written, legally sound demand letter without hiring an attorney — saving you time and hundreds in legal fees.
Will a demand letter actually work?
Yes — in most cases. Over 85% of recipients respond or pay after receiving a proper demand letter. It shows you’re serious and willing to take legal action if necessary. Many people would rather settle than risk court fees, judgments, or further consequences.
What happens if the person ignores the letter?
If the recipient ignores the demand letter, you have proof that you made a good-faith effort to resolve the issue. You can then move forward with small claims court, where your letter will serve as valuable documentation supporting your case.
How long does it take to send a demand letter through sue.com?
Our system takes just a few minutes. Once you answer a few questions about your situation, we instantly generate a demand letter and mail it via USPS on your behalf — often the same day. You don’t have to download, print, or send anything yourself.