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I send your demand letter with an attorney-reviewed draft complaint attached.

You tell me what happened. After a conflict, jurisdiction, and preliminary merits screening, I draft the demand letter on my firm letterhead. Filing, filing fees, service of process, appearances and conducting any court or arbitration proceeding are not included; any pleading or other proceeding paper beyond the one included draft is separately scoped. $2,500 minimum, sent USPS certified mail with signature requested. The $2,500 minimum covers standard matters with claims up to about $30,000; larger disputes start at $3,000 and major claims at $5,000. Full package details on my demand letter service page.

Sergei Tokmakov, Esq. · CA Bar #279869 · 1,800+ projects completed
Sergei Tokmakov, Esq., California attorney
🤖 AI Legal Analyst

Ask my AI Legal Analyst about the $2,500 demand package

Scopes your matter and recommends the right package: the $2,500 minimum Demand Package, the from $3,000 or from $5,000 dispute action tiers for larger claims, or the $3,000 negotiation phase. A full review of your documents is the $300 Written Attorney Consultation, not this chat. AI-generated legal information, not legal advice.

Pricing & scope free · instant · no email

Conflict, jurisdiction, and preliminary merits screening, then an attorney demand on firm letterhead with a factual chronology, damages schedule, and exhibits, sent USPS certified mail plus email, with up to two client revision rounds before sending. Review of the other side's first substantive response, a narrow counter-response if strategically appropriate, and one deadline follow-up are included. $2,500 is the minimum fee for claims up to about $30,000, subject to conflict, jurisdiction, merits, and written scope review.

Request this package - $2,500

Claims of roughly $30,000 to $75,000, or disputes with material factual, contractual, or procedural complexity, are the Commercial Dispute Action Package, from $3,000. Claims above roughly $75,000, multiparty disputes, and urgent or injunctive matters are the Major-Claim Dispute Action Package, from $5,000. Both carry the same demand scope with deeper record, damages, and forum work; these are starting fees, and I confirm the final fixed scope in writing before any work begins.

See the full package ladder

No. For a California or Washington matter, where I determine it is legally and strategically warranted, I include one draft complaint or arbitration demand for one dispute, expressly marked DRAFT - NOT FILED, within the agreed package fee. Filing, filing fees, service of process, appearances and conducting any court or arbitration proceeding are not included; any pleading or other proceeding paper beyond the one included draft is separately scoped. Actually filing the complaint, initiating arbitration, or appearing as counsel of record is a separate California-only engagement, quoted separately.

Every band of the demand package already includes review of the other side's first substantive response and a narrow counter-response if strategically appropriate. If the matter turns into multi-round negotiation after that, the $3,000 Written Negotiation Phase It covers 30 calendar days, up to three substantive counter-letters, written strategy updates, and one settlement-agreement or mutual-release review. Filing, arbitration initiation, and court appearances are quoted separately.

Email me to start the phase

A first draft of the letter and draft complaint is usually two business days after I receive the documents. Rush 24 to 48 hour turnaround may be available for an added fee. I confirm scope, the flat fee, and the timeline before starting.

The agreement or contract, invoices or proof of what is owed, prior correspondence with the other side, any notice or demand already exchanged, and any forum or arbitration clause that governs. Upload them in the chat or email them to owner@terms.law.

Ask the AI about your dispute
1,800+
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700+
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What's included in the $2,500 Demand Package

The letter states your demand. The attached draft complaint shows the other side what happens if they ignore it.

Demand Package

For serious or litigation-ready disputes where the other side needs to see you are prepared to file
$2,500 minimum
Usually two business days; often faster if your matter is urgent. Minimum fee for claims up to about $30,000, subject to conflict, jurisdiction, merits, and written scope review.
  • Conflict, jurisdiction, and preliminary merits screening before the matter is accepted
  • Attorney demand letter on firm letterhead, with legal research, state-specific statutory citations, a factual chronology, damages schedule, and exhibits
  • USPS certified mail (signature requested) + email to the other side
  • Damages calculation and a response deadline with escalation language
  • Up to two client revision rounds before sending
  • Review of the other side's first substantive response with a short next-step recommendation, and a narrow counter-response if strategically appropriate
  • One deadline follow-up if the recipient does not respond
Request This Package: $2,500
Commercial Dispute Action Package from $3,000

Claims of roughly $30,000 to $75,000, or materially complex disputes. Same demand scope with deeper record, damages, and forum work. Starting fee, subject to conflict, jurisdiction, merits, and written scope review.

Request this package - from $3,000 →
Major-Claim Dispute Action Package from $5,000

Claims above roughly $75,000, multiparty disputes, urgent or injunctive matters, or large records. Starting fee; final fixed scope and fee confirmed in writing before work begins.

Request this package - from $5,000 →

Which band is mine? The $2,500 minimum covers standard matters with claims up to about $30,000; larger disputes start at $3,000 and major claims at $5,000. Full ladder details on my demand letter service page.

If the matter later turns into multi-round negotiation or a settlement agreement needs review, that is the separate $3,000 Written Negotiation Phase (email me). Filing the complaint, initiating arbitration, or appearing as counsel of record is a separate engagement, quoted separately, California only.

Scope of my practiceI do not take creditor-side consumer-debt collection matters or personal, family or household loan collections. Business-to-business invoices, commercial contracts and payment-platform disputes are what I handle. Regulated consumer collection matters belong with licensed collection counsel, and I can refer you.

Illustrative demand letter examples

These are illustrative scenarios based on common fact patterns, not actual client matters. They show how a demand letter with state-specific legal research and a draft complaint attached is typically structured.

Illustrative examples, not actual client results. Every matter depends on its own facts.

Unpaid Invoice: B2B Services

Marketing agency owed $28,000 for completed deliverables

Client ghosted after final delivery. I drafted a demand letter citing breach of contract with a draft complaint for unjust enrichment. Client paid $26,500 within 9 days.

Illustrative outcome: Paid 95% of balance within 9 days
Security Deposit: California Tenant

Landlord withheld $4,200 security deposit

Landlord claimed "general wear and tear" damage. I cited California Civil Code §1950.5 and demanded treble damages. Landlord returned $3,800 plus $1,000 in statutory penalties.

Illustrative outcome: Full deposit returned plus $1,000 penalty
Stripe Frozen Funds: SaaS Startup

Stripe froze $47,000 in reserves from a SaaS business

Business had 0.2% chargebacks. I drafted a demand letter citing the payment services agreement and state money transmission laws. Stripe released the full reserve within 14 days.

Illustrative outcome: Full $47,000 released in 14 days
Contractor Dispute: Incomplete Work

Homeowner paid $22,000 for a kitchen remodel

Contractor abandoned the job 60% complete. I sent a demand letter with a draft complaint citing contractor license bond requirements and CSLB violations. Contractor returned $9,000 and finished remaining work.

Illustrative outcome: Contractor returned $9,000 and finished remaining work

What my demand letters include

Every demand letter is custom-drafted based on your situation. Here is what I include in every single one.

📜
Legal research - Statutes, case law, and regulations specific to your claim
📝
Factual timeline - Clear, attorney-organized statement of what happened
💰
Damages calculation - Every dollar you are owed, itemized and supported
⚖
Draft lawsuit - Attached complaint showing you are ready to file
📖
Statutory citations - State-specific laws that apply to your situation
⏱
Response deadline - 30-day cure period with escalation language
📦
Certified mail delivery - USPS certified mail with signature requested + email
✍
Attorney letterhead - An attorney's signature carries weight the other side cannot ignore

Types of demand letters I draft most

💼
Unpaid invoices - B2B, freelancer, contractor payment disputes
🏠
Security deposit - California and multi-state landlord disputes
💳
Frozen funds - Stripe, PayPal, Square, payment processor holds
📄
Breach of contract - When the other side failed to perform
🛒
Consumer disputes - Defective products, warranty claims, refunds
💼
Employment - Unpaid wages, wrongful termination, discrimination
💸
Insurance - Claim denials, bad faith, undervaluation
🔨
Property damage - Contractor negligence, neighbor disputes, HOA

How it works

Tell me what happened

Email me a short summary. Attach any contracts, invoices, or correspondence.

I confirm scope and timeline

I reply with questions if needed, run the conflict and scope check, confirm the flat fee for your band ($2,500 minimum), and set the timeline.

I draft the letter and the draft complaint

The demand letter cites the specific laws that apply and calculates your damages. You get up to two revision rounds before anything goes out.

I send it USPS certified mail to the other side

Sent via certified mail with tracking. You get a copy of everything. Many matters resolve within the response deadline, though I cannot guarantee a specific outcome.

The letter states your demand. The attached draft complaint shows them you are prepared to file.

Tell me what happened. I draft the letter and the attorney-reviewed draft complaint, you review up to two rounds, and I send the package via USPS certified mail with signature requested.

Request This Package: $2,500 →

Example scenarios: what a demand letter can do

Illustrative examples, not actual client results. Every matter depends on its own facts. Client reviews: 700+ on Upwork.

Demand Letter for Unpaid Freelance Work

Example scenario: a business is owed $12,000 in unpaid invoices. A demand letter with an attached draft complaint leads to payment within a week of delivery.

Demand letter with draft complaint attached
Stripe Frozen Funds Demand Letter

Example scenario: Stripe holds $31,000 for 4 months. A demand letter citing specific provisions of Stripe's terms and payment services regulations leads to release of the funds in 12 days.

Frozen-funds demand letter
Security Deposit Demand Letter: California

Example scenario: a landlord keeps $3,500 of a deposit with unsupported deductions. A letter citing Civil Code §1950.5 and its bad-faith penalty leads to return of the full deposit plus $1,500 in penalties.

Security-deposit demand letter

Frequently asked questions about the $2,500 package

What does the $2,500 Demand Package include?

Conflict, jurisdiction, and preliminary merits screening. Attorney demand on firm letterhead with a factual chronology, damages schedule, and exhibits. USPS certified mail (signature requested) plus email delivery, with up to two client revision rounds before sending. Review of the other side's first substantive response with a short next-step recommendation, a narrow counter-response if strategically appropriate, and one deadline follow-up if there is no response. No hidden fees. $2,500 is the minimum fee for standard matters with claims up to about $30,000, subject to conflict, jurisdiction, merits, and written scope review. Nothing is called court-ready until the draft pleading has completed attorney review.

Is the draft complaint actually filed with a court?

No. Filing, filing fees, service of process, appearances and conducting any court or arbitration proceeding are not included; any pleading or other proceeding paper beyond the one included draft is separately scoped. Actually filing the complaint, initiating arbitration, or appearing as counsel of record is a separate engagement, quoted separately, California only.

What if my claim is larger or more complex?

The $2,500 minimum Demand Package covers standard matters with claims up to about $30,000. Claims of roughly $30,000 to $75,000, or disputes with material factual, contractual, or procedural complexity, are the Commercial Dispute Action Package, from $3,000. Claims above roughly $75,000, multiparty disputes, and urgent or injunctive matters are the Major-Claim Dispute Action Package, from $5,000. The upper tiers are starting fees with the same demand scope and deeper record, damages, and forum work; I confirm the final fixed scope in writing before any work begins.

Do your demand letters actually work?

Most disputes settle after receiving an attorney-drafted demand letter with a draft complaint attached. The combination of legal research, statutory citations, and a credible filing threat makes the other side take it seriously. I cannot guarantee a specific outcome, but the response rate is high.

How long does it take?

Usually two business days after I receive the necessary documents. It can often be faster if your matter is urgent. I confirm scope, the flat fee, and the timeline before starting.

What happens if the other side responds or wants to negotiate?

The package includes review of the other side's first substantive response with a short next-step recommendation, and a narrow counter-response if strategically appropriate. If the matter turns into multi-round negotiation, or a settlement agreement or release needs review, that work is the separate $3,000 Written Negotiation Phase. I confirm scope with you before any additional work.

What if the other side does not respond at all?

If they do not respond, the package includes one deadline follow-up, and you decide the next step; any draft complaint prepared with your package makes escalation faster. Options include a separate quoted engagement for me to file in California, or a referral to local counsel in other states. The letter and any attached draft establish your legal position either way.

Can you send demand letters to companies in other states?

Yes. I send demand letters nationwide via USPS certified mail with signature requested. Each letter cites the laws of the state that governs your dispute. I'm CA-licensed, so for filing outside California I refer you to local counsel.

What information do I need to get started?

Email me a short summary of what happened, the amount you are owed, and any supporting documents (contracts, invoices, emails, photos). I will ask follow-up questions if I need more.

Did you receive one of my letters? Read this page.

Terms.Law Radio: on the air. The Demand Letter Files, 96.7 on the imaginary dial: the evidence, the number, the deadline, one case file per episode. Listen →
Request This Package: $2,500 What's Included