Demand letters are typically written by attorneys on behalf of their clients to another party. This letter is usually sent in situations where a person or business believes that they have been wronged; or on the flipside, when they are trying to discourage someone from pursuing a frivolous action against them.
At its core, a demand letter is a formal way of requesting that something be done—or not done—by the other party. It is a legal document in which the sender outlines the reasons why they have the lawful right to the demands being made.
Types of Demand Letters
There are several different types of demand letters, including those issued for debt collection, breach of contract, compensation requests, cease-and-desist orders, and homeowner’s association violations. Regardless of the type of demand letter being sent, it should provide the following information:
- What occurred that has caused the demand letter to be sent
- A brief description of the terms of the agreement between the two parties (if applicable)
- Any relevant laws that provide the sender with the right to demand the recipient take action
- The requested action that the recipient should take
- The timeline that the action should be taken within
- Any threats of legal action that may occur if the action is not taken
How to Respond
When an individual or business receives a demand letter, they should consult with a lawyer immediately. A qualified attorney will be able to understand the recipient’s position in the legal issue, and advise them on how to best proceed. If someone cannot afford an attorney, there are other options, such as FreeLegalHelp.Org that can offer valuable insight.
At the end of the day, demand letters are a serious document and should not be taken lightly. A well-crafted letter can offer an effective solution for a problem, so it is important to take the time to carefully read and understand the document.