Take a breath. A demand letter is NOT a lawsuit. You have options, and time to respond strategically. Use my interactive tools to understand your situation and plan your response.
TRUTH: A demand letter is just a letter. No court is involved yet. It's often the first step before any legal action.
TRUTH: You don't have to pay anything until you're ordered by a court. Demands are negotiable.
TRUTH: Ignoring usually makes things worse. A professional response can often resolve the matter quickly.
TRUTH: Anyone can hire an attorney to send a letter. The claims still need to be valid.
TRUTH: Most deadlines in demand letters are arbitrary. Real statutory deadlines are different.
TRUTH: Take time to gather facts and plan your response. A hasty response can hurt your position.
Select the category that best matches your demand letter to see relevant response guides and resources.
Click on the category that best describes the demand letter you received
Calculate how many days you have to respond based on when you received the letter and the type of deadline.
Select the response approach that best fits your situation to get tailored guidance.
Check which insurance policies might cover your demand letter. Many people don't realize their insurance may pay for defense costs and settlements.
Step 1: What type of demand letter did you receive?
Step 2: Select all insurance types you currently have:
Explore my comprehensive response guides organized by demand letter type.
Contract disputes, B2B claims, partnership disagreements, unpaid invoices, breach of contract defenses.
Wrongful termination claims, discrimination allegations, wage disputes, non-compete enforcement.
Product liability claims, service disputes, warranty issues, consumer protection allegations.
Security deposit disputes, lease violation claims, habitability issues, eviction defenses.
Collection agency demands, debt validation requests, statute of limitations defenses, FDCPA violations.
Cease and desist responses, fair use defenses, trademark disputes, DMCA takedown appeals.
Ignoring a demand letter can escalate the situation. The sender may proceed to file a lawsuit, and your silence could be used against you as evidence of guilt or admission.
No matter how outrageous the claims seem, keep your response professional and factual. Angry or threatening responses can hurt your case and create new legal issues.
Be careful with your words. Phrases like "I'm sorry" or "I should have..." can be construed as admissions. Stick to facts and avoid apologizing for the underlying dispute.
Once you receive a demand letter, you have an obligation to preserve relevant documents, emails, and other evidence. Destruction can lead to serious legal consequences.
Avoid discussing the dispute online. Social media posts can be used as evidence and may harm your negotiating position or legal defense.
While many demand letter deadlines are arbitrary, some reference real statutory deadlines. If you're unsure, consult an attorney immediately.
While many demand letters can be handled on your own, some situations call for professional legal assistance. Consider scheduling a consultation if any of these apply: