Demand Letter

A Demand Letter is used to demand payment or settlement from another party at the threat of litigation.

In the event of a breach of contract, the quickest way to settle a dispute is to issue a Demand Letter, which implies litigation if the demand is not satisfied.

If someone has a legal obligation towards you that they haven't fulfilled, a carefully drafted Demand Letter on your part can set everything in motion leading to a legal claim.

What Is a Demand Letter?

You can use a Demand Letter for several purposes. Most commonly, however, it is a request for payment or debt owed. This type of Demand Letter should explain the debt incurred, the amount due, and the original due date.

You can use a Demand Letter for any demand, such as reminding a company or person of a failure to deliver a service paid. After the letter is sent, you can expect the recipient to comply or submit a counteroffer, after which you can attempt to settle.

Other Names for Demand Letter

Depending on your state, a Demand Letter may also be known as:

• Letter of Demand (LOD)
• Collection Letter
• Demand Letter for Payment
• Debt Collection Letter

Who Needs a Demand Letter?

Essentially, anyone who has to make a demand for a debt or service owed can use a Demand Letter to do so. In addition to that, the Demand Letter is also frequently used in insurance claims. If a debtor's check was returned for NSF, you could issue a Demand Letter and demand the payment anew.

Why Use Swyftfilings for Your Demand Letter?

Customized for you, by you

Create your own documents by answering our easy-to-understand questionnaires to get exactly what you need out of your Demand Letter.

Specific to Your Jurisdiction

Laws vary by location. Each document on Swyftfilings is customized for your state.

How to Create a Demand Letter with Swyftfilings?

Your Demand Letter should be professional and not threatening, or it could have the opposite effect you have in mind.

Let Swyftfilings help with our extensive library of attorney-vetted legal forms. The process is fast and easy. All you have to do is fill out our easy-to-understand questionnaire. Once complete, simply download your form as a PDF or Word document from your secure online account.

What Information Will I Need to Create My Demand Letter?

To create your document, please provide:

• Sender Details: The legal name and contact information of the sender.
• Recipient Details: The legal name and contact information of the recipient.
• Date: The date of the Demand Letter.
• Method of Delivery: Specify how the letter is to be delivered to the recipient.
• Demanded Action: Explain the demand, including the amount requested, as applicable.
• Deadline: The date when the recipient is expected to respond.
• Additional Documentation: Attach anything else that will support the demand.
• Signature: The sender must sign the Demand Letter.

Demand Letter Terms

• Mediation: A type of dispute resolution outside of the courts.
• Purveyor: The seller or supplier of goods.
• Grievance: A reason to complain.
• Restitution: A recompense for an injury or loss.
• NSF: Non-Sufficient Funds (the most common sense for a returned check).
• Counteroffer: In the context of a Demand Letter, this is the recipient's counter to the sender's demand.
• Insurance Claim: A claim from an insurance policyholder for compensation.
• Concession: A granted demand.
• Coercion: An agreement by force.

Demand Letter Signing Requirements

As the sender, you must sign the Demand Letter. Notarization is not necessary.

What to Do with Your Demand Letter?

After you have printed out your Demand Letter created on Swyftfilings, sign it and save a copy for your records. The best way to deliver the Demand Letter is to let your attorney handle it, show it in person, or send it by registered mail or a shipping company with signature verification. Emailing or texting the Demand Letter is not recommended.

Depending on your state, a Demand Letter may also be known as:

If you need to formalize agreements and ensure legal compliance, this document is an essential tool.

Create your own documents by answering our easy-to-understand questionnaires to get exactly what you need out of your Demand Letter.

Laws vary by location. Each document on Swyft Forms is customized for your state.