You can use LawDepot’s Demand Letter template to write a thorough and legally enforceable document without hiring a lawyer. However, every situation is different, and you may prefer to get legal advice if you have a complicated issue.
Our template ensures you don’t put any information into your Demand Letter that wouldn’t be needed. Simply answer a set of questions to customise your document then download it as a PDF or print a copy.
Follow these steps to write a strong Demand Letter:
1. Explain why you’re writing the letter
State your purpose for writing the letter, whether it be for collecting a debt, demanding action, or making an insurance claim.
2. Give details about the issue at hand
If you’re demanding payment for money owed, include:
- The outstanding amount
- When the payment date was
- A description of the debt (e.g., when the money was lent, the reason for the debt, and any relevant contracts)
If you’re demanding action, include specific details such as:
- A description of the required action
- When you want the task completed
- Any previous contract agreed upon by the parties
If you’re making an insurance claim, include:
- Details of the incident (e.g., when it happened, the insurance claim number, and a description of the event)
- A description of any mental or physical injuries, if applicable
- A description of any lost income, expenses, or damages
3. Attach evidence, if you’ve got it
Any relevant documentation helps enforce your demand.
For example, if the recipient signed a contract such as a Loan Agreement or a Promissory Note, attach it to your Demand Letter to validate your right to repayment.
Similarly, if you make a demand for action or an insurance claim, you can support your argument by attaching relevant documents or photos.
4. State the terms of your settlement (optional)
If you’re making an insurance claim, the settlement is the amount of money you demand from the insurance company.
If you’re collecting a debt, accepting a settlement typically means agreeing to receive less than what a debtor initially borrowed.
Sometimes, this is the best option if you know the debtor is unlikely to repay the full amount. In this case, you’ll at least recover a portion of your money.
Alternatively, you could settle for instalment payments. This term allows the debtor more time to repay you.
5. Provide party details
State the names and contact information of the parties in the Demand Letter (i.e., the sender and recipient).
