Advantages
- Completely free
- Immediate - send today
- You control the process
- Good for simple disputes
- Templates make it easy
Limitations
- Less intimidating to recipient
- May miss legal nuances
- No legal advice included
Advantages
- Professional letterhead impact
- Legally precise language
- Signals you're serious
- Expert legal strategy
- Can escalate to lawsuit
Limitations
- Expensive upfront cost
- Takes longer to send
- May escalate conflict
- Not cost-effective for small claims
💰 True Cost Comparison
| Expense | DIY | Attorney |
|---|---|---|
| Demand Letter Creation | $0 | $200-500 |
| Legal Research | $0 (templates) | Included |
| Certified Mailing | $8-15 | $8-15 |
| Follow-up Consultation | $0-100* | $150-400/hr |
| If Case Goes to Court | $30-75 filing | $2,000-10,000+ |
| Total (Demand Only) | $8-115 | $200-915 |
* Many bar associations offer low-cost consultations ($30-50 for 30 minutes)
Real-World Scenarios
Landlord Won't Return Deposit
Simple case: you moved out, left unit clean, landlord keeping deposit without itemized statement.
Employer Didn't Pay Final Check
You were fired, employer hasn't paid final wages including accrued vacation.
Contractor Abandoned Project
Paid deposit, contractor did poor work and disappeared. Need refund plus repair costs.
Client Refuses to Pay Invoice
Completed project per contract, client disputes quality and won't pay substantial amount.
Defective New Vehicle
New car has repeated issues dealer can't fix. Want buyback or replacement.
💡 Important: Some Attorneys Are FREE
For certain case types, attorneys work on contingency (they get paid only if you win) or the defendant pays their fees by law:
- Lemon Law: Manufacturer pays your attorney fees (CA Civil Code § 1794)
- Employment Discrimination: Many attorneys work on contingency
- Consumer Protection (CLRA): Prevailing plaintiff recovers attorney fees
- Personal Injury: Typically 33% contingency - you pay nothing upfront
- Wage & Hour Class Actions: Attorneys paid from settlement
Always ask: "Do you work on contingency for this type of case?"
When to Choose Each Option
Go DIY When...
- Claim is under $5,000
- Facts are straightforward
- You have clear documentation
- Law is clearly on your side
- Other party is likely reasonable
- You're comfortable writing
- Time is more important than perfection
- Small claims court is an option
Hire Attorney When...
- Claim is over $10,000
- Complex legal issues involved
- Other party has an attorney
- Dispute involves injury/safety
- Business reputation at stake
- You need court representation
- Opposing party is a corporation
- Fee-shifting makes it free
Ready to Handle It Yourself?
Our free templates make it easy to create a professional demand letter with proper legal citations.
Create Free Demand LetterNeed Professional Help?
Find an attorney through your local bar association's lawyer referral service.
CA Bar Referral