Should I Send a Demand Letter Before a Lawsuit?

Edited by Hannah Locklear

You may not have to send a demand letter to the person you are suing. The lawsuit will still go through, and you could win if the judge decides you have a case.

Even then, you will have a better-organized court case if you write a demand letter first.

In this article, we will discuss the following pros of sending a demand letter before a lawsuit:

• Shows your seriousness about the matter
• Shows that you are willing to solve the issue (It is proof of good faith)
• Promotes quick settlement (saving you time and money)
• It can be used (for or against you) in court

But first, what exactly is a demand letter?

What is a demand letter?

A demand letter is a formal letter you send to another party asking them to stop doing or start taking a particular action. For example, before you sue a landlord for constructive eviction, you can write a letter informing them to compensate you before a deadline. Their failure to do so could lead to a lawsuit.

There are endless forms of demand letters. For instance, you can send the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) 's "Cease and Desist" or "Refusal to Pay" letters to debt collectors. You can also use a demand letter to warn a contractor that you plan to sue if they do not repair the damages they caused in your house.

Let’s explore an example of a demand letter.

Write an FDCPA demand letter.

Why should I send a demand letter before a lawsuit?

A demand letter gives you an upper hand in so many ways.

A demand letter shows that you are serious

Communicating with your opponent through emails and phone calls is fine. But if you want them to take you seriously, a demand letter is a great tool.

The letter shows that you have been keeping track of the situation, you have details, and you will take action if they do not act fast.

The judge will also treat your case more seriously if you go to court after sending a demand letter.

A demand letter proves that you come in good faith

Sending a demand letter before going to court shows your opponent that you want to solve the matter. Instead of dragging on and on, you are willing to talk things out.

When your aggressor sees your commitment, they may want to discuss the matter with you.

A demand letter promotes quick settlement

Giving the opponent an option to settle before you sue can be enticing. Litigation is lengthy and public; most people do not want all the attention and distraction. So it is likely that your rival will prefer a more private settlement.

You can use a demand letter in court

The letter can serve as proof of correspondence between you and your opponent.

As a precaution, remember that the letter can also be used against you. So be careful with what and how you write.

Below, we show you how to write the best demand letter.

How to write a formal demand letter

As we already mentioned, the language of your letter matters. The content is just as important.

So before you write a demand letter, keep these points in mind:

• Use polite language: You don't want the judge to read a letter in which you are degrading your opponent by using mean language.
• State all the facts: Even if your opponent already knows the whole story, it is essential to include the facts in your letter. It can remind them of their responsibility in the case. And if you eventually go to court, the judge will have a complete picture of the events.
• Clearly state your demands: Do you want compensation worth $1000? State it clearly. Your opponent must understand what you expect from them. Remember to set the deadline for them to respond before you file a lawsuit.
• You should type the letter: Use the computer at a local library if you do not have one.
• Keep a copy of the letter: Having a copy for yourself is safe because it gives you a point of reference.
• Use certified mail and request a return receipt: Certified mail shows proof that your opponent received the letter.

Sometimes, a demand letter may be a prerequisite for a lawsuit, but that is not always the case. Even so, you may use a demand letter for the benefits discussed here.

The demand letter can successfully resolve the dispute, and you may not have to go to court. If you eventually go to court, a previous demand letter shows that you made a good-faith attempt to resolve the matter before involving the courts.

Respond to a debt collector demand letter

It’s common for debt collectors to send a demand letter in order to get you to pay up. If you’ve received a debt collector demand letter, you should respond by sending a Debt Validation Letter.

The Debt Validation Letter forces the debt collector to prove that the debt they are trying to collect is valid. In order to validate a debt, the collector must:

• Give details of the debt, including the exact amount.
• Outline exactly what you owe with documented proof.
• State to whom the debt is owed.
• Include information about how you can dispute the debt.

If the debt collector cannot validate the debt, then they technically cannot continue contacting you about it.

Make your own Debt Validation Letter in minutes with SoloSuit.

To learn more about how a Debt Validation Letter can benefit you, check out this video:

What is SoloSuit?

SoloSuit makes it easy to fight debt collectors.

You can use SoloSuit to respond to a debt lawsuit, to send letters to collectors, and even to settle a debt.

SoloSuit's Answer service is a step-by-step web-app that asks you all the necessary questions to complete your Answer. Upon completion, we'll have an attorney review your document and we'll file it for you.

>>Read the FastCompany article: Debt Lawsuits Are Complicated: This Website Makes Them Simpler To Navigate

>>Read the NPR story on SoloSuit. (We can help you in all 50 states.)

How to answer a summons for debt collection in your state

Here's a list of guides for other states.

All 50 states.

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Guides on how to beat every debt collector

Being sued by a different debt collector? Were making guides on how to beat each one.

• Absolute Resolutions Investments LLC
• Accredited Collection Services
• Alliance One
• Amcol Clmbia
• American Recovery Service
• Asset Acceptance LLC
• Asset Recovery Solutions
• Associated Credit Services
• Autovest LLC
• Cach LLC
• Cavalry SPV I LLC
• Cerastes LLC
• Colinfobur
• Covington Credit
• Crown Asset Management
• CTC Debt Collector
• Cypress Financial Recoveries
• Delanor Kemper & Associates
• Eagle Loan of Ohio
• Educap
• Estate Information Services
• FIA Card Services
• Forster & Garbus
• Freshview Solutions
• Fulton Friedman & Gullace LLP
• Harvest Credit Management
• Howard Lee Schiff
• Hudson & Keyse LLC
• Integras Capital Recovery LLC
• Javitch Block
• Jefferson Capital Systems LLC
• LVNV Funding
• Mannbracken
• Mariner Finance
• Medicredit
• Michael J Adams PC
• Michael J Scott
• Midland Funding LLC
• Mullooly, Jeffrey, Rooney & Flynn
• Mountain Land Collections
• MRS Associates
• National Collegiate Trust
• Nationstar Foreclosure
• Northstar Capital Acquisition
• NCEP LLC
• NRC Collection Agency
• OneMain Financial
• Palisades Collection LLC
• Pallida LLC
• Paragon Revenue Group
• Pinnacle Collections Agency
• PMAB LLC
• Portfolio Recovery Associates
• Provest Law
• PYOD LLC
• Reunion Student Loan Finance Corporation
• Revenue Group
• Regents and Associates
• RSIEH
• Salander Enterprises LLC
• Second Round Sub LLC
• Security Credit Services
• Sherman Financial Group
• Suttell and Hammer
• T-Mobile
• Transworld Systems
• Tulsa Teachers Credit Union
• UCB Collection
• Velo Law Office
• Velocity Investments
• Waypoint Resource Group
• Weinberg and Associates
• Wolpoff & Abramson

Win against credit card companies

Is your credit card company suing you? Learn how you can beat each one.

• Bank of America
• Capital One
• Chase
• Credit One Bank
• PayPal Synchrony Card
• SYNCB/PPEXTR
• Synchrony Bank
• Target National Bank
• Wells Fargo

Going to Court for Credit Card Debt — Key Tips

How to Negotiate Credit Card Debts

How to Settle a Credit Card Debt Lawsuit — Ultimate Guide

Get answers to these FAQs

Need more info on statutes of limitations? Read our 50-state guide.

Why do debt collectors block their phone numbers?

How long do debt collectors take to respond to debt validation letters?

What are the biggest debt collector companies in the US?

Is Zombie Debt Still a Problem in 2019?

SoloSuit FAQ

If a car is repossessed, do I still owe the debt?

Is Portfolio Recovery Associates Legit?

Is There a Judgment Against Me Without my Knowledge?

Should I File Bankruptcy Before or After a Judgment?

What is a default judgment?— What do I do?

Summoned to Court for Medical Bills — What Do I Do?

What Happens If Someone Sues You and You Have No Money?

What Happens If You Never Answer Debt Collectors?

What Happens When a Debt Is Sold to a Collection Agency

What is a Stipulated Judgment?

What is the Deadline for a Defendants Answer to Avoid a Default Judgment?

Can a Judgement Creditor Take my Car?

Can I Settle a Debt After Being Served?

Can I Stop Wage Garnishment?

Can You Appeal a Default Judgement?

Do I Need a Debt Collection Defense Attorney?

Do I Need a Payday Loans Lawyer?

Do student loans go away after 7 years? — Student Loan Debt Guide

Am I Responsible for My Spouses Medical Debt?

Should I Marry Someone With Debt?

Can a Debt Collector Leave a Voicemail?

How Does Debt Assignment Work?

What Happens If a Defendant Does Not Pay a Judgment?

How Does Debt Assignment Work?

Can You Serve Someone with a Collections Lawsuit at Their Work?

What Is a Warrant in Debt?

How Many Times Can a Judgment be Renewed in Oklahoma?

Can an Eviction Be Reversed?

Does Debt Consolidation Have Risks?

What Happens If You Avoid Getting Served Court Papers?

Does Student Debt Die With You?

Can Debt Collectors Call You at Work in Texas?

How Much Do You Have to Be in Debt to File for Chapter 7?

What Is the Statute of Limitations on Debt in Washington?

How Long Does a Judgment Last?

Can Private Disability Payments Be Garnished?

Can Debt Collectors Call From Local Numbers?

Does the Fair Credit Reporting Act Work in Florida?

The Truth: Should You Never Pay a Debt Collection Agency?

Should You Communicate with a Debt Collector in Writing or by Telephone?

Do I Need a Debt Negotiator?

What Happens After a Motion for Default Is Filed?

Can a Process Server Leave a Summons Taped to My Door?

Learn More With These Additional Resources:

Need help managing your finances? Check out these resources.

How to Make a Debt Validation Letter - The Ultimate Guide

How to Make a Motion to Compel Arbitration Without an Attorney

How to Stop Wage Garnishment — Everything You Need to Know

How to File an FDCPA Complaint Against Your Debt Collector (Ultimate Guide)

Defending Yourself in Court Against a Debt Collector

Tips on you can to file an FDCPA lawsuit against a debt collection agency

Advice on how to answer a summons for debt collection.

Effective strategies for how to get back on track after a debt lawsuit

New Hampshire Statute of Limitations on Debt

Sample Cease and Desist Letter Against Debt Collectors

The Ultimate Guide to Responding to a Debt Collection Lawsuit in Utah

West Virginia Statute of Limitations on Debt

What debt collectors cannot do — FDCPA explained

Defending Yourself in Court Against Debt Collector

How to Liquidate Debt

Arkansas Statute of Limitations on Debt

Youre Drowning in Debt — Heres How to Swim

Help! Im Being Sued by My Debt Collector

How to Make a Motion to Vacate Judgment

How to Answer Summons for Debt Collection in Vermont

North Dakota Statute of Limitations on Debt

ClearPoint Debt Management Review

Indiana Statute of Limitations on Debt

Oregon Eviction Laws - What They Say

CuraDebt Debt Settlement Review

How to Write a Re-Aging Debt Letter

How to Appear in Court by Phone

How to Use the Doctrine of Unclean Hands

Debt Consolidation in Eugene, Oregon

Summoned to Court for Medical Bills? What to Do Next

How to Make a Debt Settlement Agreement

Received a 3-Day Eviction Notice? Heres What to Do

How to Answer a Lawsuit for Debt Collection

Tips for Leaving the Country With Unpaid Credit Card Debt

Kansas Statute of Limitations on Debt Collection

How to File in Small Claims Court in Iowa

How to File a Civil Answer in Kings County Supreme Court

Roseland Associates Debt Consolidation Review

How to Stop a Garnishment

Debt Eraser Review

Do Debt Collectors Ever Give Up?

Can They Garnish Your Wages for Credit Card Debt?

How Often Do Credit Card Companies Sue for Non-Payment?

How Long Does a Judgement Last?

​​How Long Before a Creditor Can Garnish Wages?

How to Beat a Bill Collector in Court