{"id":368959,"date":"2016-04-04T10:47:05","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:47:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/how-to-demand-payment-in-a-letter.html"},"modified":"2026-07-14T13:23:51","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T18:23:51","slug":"how-to-demand-payment-in-a-letter","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/how-to-demand-payment-in-a-letter.html","title":{"rendered":"How To Demand Payment in a Letter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">How To Demand Payment in a Letter<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/samuel-strom-j-d\/\">Samuel Strom, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-bender-esq\/\">Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            July 14, 2026\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-key-takeaways fl-mb30\" data-testid=\"fl-key-takeaways\">\n    <div class=\"fl-card-content\">\n        <div class=\"fl-card-body fl-card-bg-teal fl-flex fl-flex-column\">\n                            <h2 class=\"fl-card-title fl-h2 fl-no-margin\">Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n                        <ul>\n<li>A\u00a0<span data-term-id=\"59309653\">demand letter<\/span>\u00a0is a document you give to the person or entity you think owes you money.<\/li>\n<li>In your <span data-term-id=\"59309653\">demand letter<\/span>, you explain why you are entitled to the payment and the <span data-term-id=\"59309658\">amount owed<\/span>.<\/li>\n<li>If a <span data-term-id=\"59309653\">demand letter<\/span> fails to <span data-term-id=\"59309675\">resolve your dispute<\/span>, you can consider <span data-term-id=\"59309655\">legal action<\/span>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div><p>You might not have to go straight to court to <span data-term-id=\"59309662\">collect a debt<\/span> or reimburse your losses. Court can be quite expensive and complicated. Yet, you probably don\u2019t want to give up your claim to the <span data-term-id=\"59309658\">amount owed<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p>Many times, the best first step is to compose a well-written <span data-term-id=\"59309653\">demand letter<\/span>. You\u2019d be surprised how often a simple <span data-term-id=\"59309653\">demand letter<\/span> can work without you having to go to court.<\/p>\n<p>This article provides information about why and how to send a <span data-term-id=\"59309653\">demand letter<\/span> to someone demanding money owed. If you want to send a <span data-term-id=\"59309653\">demand letter<\/span>, <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">find a civil attorney<\/a> who can review your case and help you write it. They can offer advice about how much to demand, what to include, and other factors to consider.<\/p>\n<h2>What Is A <span data-term-id=\"59309653\">Demand Letter<\/span>?<\/h2>\n<p>A <span data-term-id=\"59309676\">legal <\/span><span data-term-id=\"59309653\">demand letter<\/span> is a written message that you send to someone to firmly request a particular action. Typically, it\u2019s a <span data-term-id=\"59309677\">formal demand for payment<\/span>.<\/p>\n<p><span data-term-id=\"59309653\">Demand letters<\/span> don\u2019t just state that you want something. They express that you believe the other person has a legal obligation to you, and satisfying the demand will <span data-term-id=\"59309675\">resolve your dispute<\/span>. That\u2019s why they can be useful in a variety of case types.<\/p>\n<p>An effective <span data-term-id=\"59309653\">demand letter<\/span> may save money in potential <span data-term-id=\"59309664\">legal fees<\/span> for cases such as:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/business-contracts-forms\/contract-law.html\">breach of contract<\/a> claim<\/li>\n<li>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/car-accidents.html\">car accident<\/a> claim<\/li>\n<li>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/accident-injury-law\/personal-injury-law-the-basics.html\">personal injury<\/a> claim<\/li>\n<li>Other <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/torts-and-personal-injuries.html\">torts <\/a>like defamation<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/smallbusiness\/intellectual-property.html\">Intellectual property violations<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Disputes between <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/neighbors.html\">neighbors<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Unlike a regular letter, a <span data-term-id=\"59309674\">letter of demand<\/span> carries the threat of potential <span data-term-id=\"59309655\">legal action<\/span>. If the recipient doesn\u2019t comply with the demand, the dispute may escalate to a lawsuit. In the case of collecting <span data-term-id=\"59309670\">unpaid debts<\/span>, the next step may be involving a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/debt-relief\/debt-collection-laws.html\"><span data-term-id=\"59309660\">collection agency<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Reasons for a <span data-term-id=\"59309653\">Demand Letter<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The simple reason you need a <span data-term-id=\"59309653\">demand letter<\/span> is to let the other side know that you are serious about your desire for payment. Many times, the person who <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/can-i-sue-someone-who-owes-me-money.html\">owes you money<\/a> thinks that you won\u2019t\u00a0pursue payment from them.<\/p>\n<p>The other party\u2019s feelings and thoughts may change after receiving a formal <span data-term-id=\"59309653\">demand letter<\/span>. A typical <span data-term-id=\"59309653\">demand letter<\/span> explains why you feel you deserve payment and often\u00a0states that you plan on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/how-to-sue.html\">taking that person to court<\/a> if you do not receive payment.<\/p>\n<p>The <span data-term-id=\"59309653\">demand letter<\/span> is often the first time that the other party realizes that you are serious about collecting the money due to you and will <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/what-to-expect-a-lawsuit-chronology.html\">take them to court<\/a> if necessary. The other party may\u00a0realize that if they do not pay up, they will have to spend time and money defending their position.<\/p>\n<p>The <span data-term-id=\"59309653\">demand letter<\/span> may also save you from having to file formal <span data-term-id=\"59309655\">legal action<\/span> against the person you believe owes you money. Instead of suing them, the <span data-term-id=\"59309653\">demand letter<\/span> allows you to\u00a0begin a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/legal-system\/tips-on-negotiating.html\">negotiation process<\/a> or set up a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/bankruptcy\/debt-relief\/debt-management-plans.html\">payment plan<\/a> with the other person.<\/p>\n<p>A <span data-term-id=\"59309653\">demand letter<\/span> also creates a <span data-term-id=\"59309673\">paper trail<\/span> if <span data-term-id=\"59309661\">legal proceedings<\/span> become necessary. It shows the court that you made a good-faith attempt to resolve the issue before filing any lawsuit.<\/p>\n<h2><span data-term-id=\"59309656\">How To Write a <\/span><span data-term-id=\"59309653\">Demand Letter<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Although every <span data-term-id=\"59309653\">demand letter<\/span> is different, this section provides a general overview of the essential aspects of a payment letter. While you can write a <span data-term-id=\"59309653\">demand letter<\/span> yourself, you can also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/tips-for-working-with-a-lawyer.html\">hire a lawyer<\/a> to refine the demand. Including a lawyer can also show how serious you are about seeking a <span data-term-id=\"59309672\">legal remedy<\/span>.<\/p>\n<h3>Lay Out Your Reasons<\/h3>\n<p>The first thing you should do in a <span data-term-id=\"59309653\">demand letter<\/span> is explain what happened. This may seem strange to you because the other party should know what happened. However, it is always best to write a detailed description of the events.<\/p>\n<p>If you go to court, you can\u00a0introduce the letter as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/evidence-law.html\">evidence <\/a>on your behalf. Keep in mind that the judge will have no idea of the circumstances. Consider including relevant times and dates and attaching relevant <span data-term-id=\"59309665\">supporting documents<\/span>, like an invoice or photographs.<\/p>\n<h3>The Golden Rule: Be Polite<\/h3>\n<p>You should always keep this in mind while you are writing the letter. Although you want to be firm in your letter, you do not want to anger the other party. The letter is less likely to work if you launch a written\u00a0attack\u00a0or insult their integrity. Instead of writing with anger,\u00a0focus on being professional and persuasive.<\/p>\n<p>If you can, clearly state the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>What the other party stands to lose in terms of money owed<\/li>\n<li>The time they would have to spend defending themselves<\/li>\n<li>The fact that the dispute could become public<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The more you can show the other side that it is better to agree with the letter, the better off you will probably be.<\/p>\n<h3>Ask For What You Want<\/h3>\n<p>Make sure that you include what you want in the letter. If you demand an amount of money, state the specific amount and have reasons to back it up. If you want the other party to do something (such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/realestate\/neighbors\/neighbor-fence-disputes.html\">move their fence<\/a>), list exactly what you want to happen (e.g., move the fence back by three feet).<\/p>\n<h3>Be Professional<\/h3>\n<p>Do not handwrite a <span data-term-id=\"59309653\">demand letter<\/span>. Instead, use a computer or a typewriter. If you have your own stationary or letterhead, use it.<\/p>\n<h3>Threaten an Alternative<\/h3>\n<p>Remember to give the other party a choice when you write a <span data-term-id=\"59309653\">demand letter<\/span>. They can either accede to your demands or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/filing-a-lawsuit\/filing-a-lawsuit-should-you-sue.html\">prepare for a lawsuit<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>A typical example of an alternative is, &#8220;I\u2019m hoping we can work this out between us.\u00a0If you don\u2019t agree to the demands of this letter, I will be forced to\u00a0take action against you in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/litigation\/going-to-court\/small-claims-cases.html\"><span data-term-id=\"59309657\">small claims court<\/span><\/a>.&#8221;<\/p>\n<h2>Get <span data-term-id=\"59309659\">Proof of Delivery<\/span> and Keep Records<\/h2>\n<p>Once you have finished writing your <span data-term-id=\"59309653\">demand letter<\/span>, you should send it to the recipient via <span data-term-id=\"59309654\">certified mail<\/span> with a <span data-term-id=\"59309667\">return receipt requested<\/span>. If you receive the receipt, you know that the intended recipient received it and has notice that you expect them to pay you. Save this receipt and a copy of the letter for your own records. They may be helpful in court later.<\/p>\n<h2>Sample <span data-term-id=\"59309653\">Demand Letter<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>To see this all in practice, here is a sample <span data-term-id=\"59309653\">demand letter<\/span>:<\/p>\n<p>Mail-A-Fish, Corp.<\/p>\n<p>123 Example Street, Suite 101<\/p>\n<p>Homer, AK 99603<\/p>\n<p>April 5, 2024<\/p>\n<p>Dear Mail-A-Fish,<\/p>\n<p>On February 17, 2024, I purchased a whole halibut fish from your company. As advertised, you shipped the fish to me on the next business day via overnight delivery. I received it on February 18, 2024. However, during transit, the fish went rotten, and I was unable to eat it.<\/p>\n<p>You advertised that you would pack any fish you shipped via overnight delivery in a cooler with at least two pounds of solid carbon dioxide (dry ice). However, my fish arrived at my doorstep packed only in a cardboard box lined with a garbage bag.<\/p>\n<p>I have attempted to get a refund through your customer service department. As requested, I have also sent photographs of the rotten fish and deficient shipping materials. However, after nearly two months, I am still waiting for a refund of the $250.12 purchase price I paid.<\/p>\n<p>Your customer service department states they cannot refund my purchase price because the post office did not lose the fish in transit.<\/p>\n<p>I have spoken with the delivery man who delivered the fish to my doorstep. He is willing to testify that he delivered a package to my doorstep that was shipped from Alaska and had a rotten-fish smell emanating from the box. In addition, my neighbor, who was with me at the time the package was delivered, is willing to testify that she saw the return address of your company on the box before I opened it and that she also saw the rotten fish and the invoice for my purchase contained with the box from your company.<\/p>\n<p>I have enclosed a copy of the invoice for my purchase. Please refund my purchase price of $250.12 to my American Express card on or before May 1, 2024. I will call American Express on May 1, 2024, to see if you refunded the purchase price. If you do not, I will file this matter with the <span data-term-id=\"59309657\">small claims court<\/span> to recover my purchase price.<\/p>\n<p>If you have any questions, you can reach me at (555) 123-1234. You can also e-mail me at abcd_example@madeupemail.com.<\/p>\n<p>Sincerely,<\/p>\n<p>Freddy Funky<\/p>\n<h2>Questions About Drafting a <span data-term-id=\"59309653\">Demand Letter<\/span>? Contact an Attorney<\/h2>\n<p>Before filing a lawsuit,\u00a0consider contacting a\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/litigation-appeals\/?fli=dcta\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">civil litigation attorney<\/a>\u00a0for legal advice and\u00a0help with drafting a <span data-term-id=\"59309653\">demand letter<\/span>. An attorney can review your dispute and tell you whether you have legal grounds to file a lawsuit if the person or entity you send it to does not respond or denies your claims. You can also\u00a0hire them to write a strong <span data-term-id=\"59309653\">demand letter<\/span> on your behalf, further signaling your intent to file a lawsuit if they do not pay you.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" 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class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Before committing to the time and expense of a lawsuit, it&#8217;s a good idea to try to get what you&#8217;re owed through a demand letter. 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