Prepare a factual first draft of a demand letter concerning [DISPUTE AND RECIPIENT]. I am [SENDER AND RELATIONSHIP]. These are the relevant facts and documents: [FACTS AND EVIDENCE]. The amount or action I seek is [DEMAND], and I propose a response deadline of [DEADLINE]. The governing location and any contract terms I can provide are [JURISDICTION AND AGREEMENT DETAILS]. This is a drafting aid, not legal advice. Produce a 500–750 word letter with: 1. Date, sender, recipient, and a neutral subject line. 2. A concise statement of the relationship or transaction. 3. A chronological account of material facts, using only dates, amounts, messages, and records I supplied.
4. A clear statement of the requested payment or non-monetary action, including how to respond or pay if I provide those details. 5. A reasonable response deadline. 6. A reserved-rights closing that says I may seek available remedies if the matter is not resolved, without asserting legal causes of action, penalties, attorney fees, or deadlines unless supported by information I supplied or a qualified professional has confirmed them. 7. An attachment list. Use controlled, professional language. Do not invent statutes, case law, contractual clauses, damages, admissions, witness statements, mailing requirements, or threats. Do not imply that sending this letter preserves a legal deadline. Before answering, check every material assertion against my facts and separately flag missing records, uncertain amounts, limitation-period concerns, or local-law questions for a qualified lawyer. Ask up to 3 clarifying questions only if a required input is missing.
Fill in
| Placeholder | What to enter | Example |
|---|---|---|
| [DISPUTE AND RECIPIENT] | Enter who the letter is addressed to and a short description of the dispute. | Riverbend Renovations LLC; incomplete kitchen cabinet installation |
| [SENDER AND RELATIONSHIP] | Enter your name and your relationship to the recipient, such as customer, contractor, tenant, or business owner. | Priya Shah, homeowner and customer |
| [FACTS AND EVIDENCE] | Enter dated facts, amounts, communications, contracts, invoices, and other supporting records. | Signed estimate for $8,400 on April 4; paid $4,200 deposit April 6; installation began May 12; contractor stopped work May 16; text messages promised return May 23; photos show uninstalled doors and damaged trim. |
| [DEMAND] | Enter the exact payment, return of property, repair, or other action you seek. | Return the $4,200 deposit less $900 for documented completed work, for a requested refund of $3,300. |
| [DEADLINE] | Enter the date by which you request a response or performance. | June 20, 2026 |
| [JURISDICTION AND AGREEMENT DETAILS] | Enter the state or country and any exact contract or policy terms you have. | Massachusetts; estimate says changes must be approved in writing and does not state a dispute clause. |
How to use
- Create a dated timeline and label every attachment before filling the prompt.
- Use the amount you can show from invoices, payments, and records; separate estimates from documented losses.
- Have a qualified lawyer or local legal aid service review the letter, especially where deadlines, statutes, contracts, or significant money are involved.
- Follow up with: "Make an exhibit list and identify which sentence each exhibit supports, without adding legal analysis."
Variations
Evidence timeline
Use before drafting when your records are scattered or disputed.
Organize my records for a possible demand letter involving [DISPUTE]. Here are the records: [DOCUMENTS AND NOTES]. Produce a chronological evidence table with date, event, source, amount if any, and unresolved fact. Then list missing records and contradictions that a qualified legal professional should assess. Do not infer dates, agreements, legal duties, or damages. Flag statements that are opinion rather than evidence.
Settlement proposal
Use to make a practical settlement offer after a dispute has been documented.
Draft a without-prejudice settlement proposal to [RECIPIENT] concerning [DISPUTE], based only on [FACTS AND EVIDENCE]. Offer [PROPOSED TERMS] by [OFFER EXPIRY]. Produce a short letter that identifies the dispute, states the offer terms, explains that acceptance must be confirmed in writing, and avoids admissions or legal conclusions. Do not use the phrase "without prejudice" unless appropriate for my jurisdiction; flag that issue for local legal review.
Small-claims outline
Use to prepare questions and documents for a small-claims consultation.
Based on [DISPUTE FACTS], create a preparation outline for a small-claims consultation in [LOCATION]. I seek [AMOUNT OR REMEDY] and have [EVIDENCE]. Produce sections for timeline, parties, requested relief, exhibit checklist, witnesses, and questions for the court clerk or qualified legal adviser. Do not say I will win, calculate legal deadlines, or provide legal advice. Identify facts that need local-law review.
Tips
- A demand letter is stronger when the requested sum can be reconciled line by line to payments, invoices, repair quotes, or other records.
- Keep facts and conclusions separate: describe what was promised, paid, delivered, and communicated before characterizing the dispute.
- Use a deadline you can track and preserve proof of delivery according to local requirements; mailing rules vary by jurisdiction and agreement.
- For urgent deadlines, large claims, employment disputes, eviction, injury, or regulated matters, obtain qualified legal advice before sending anything.
FAQ
Is a demand letter legally binding?
The letter itself is generally a request or notice, not a court order. Its effect depends on the facts, agreement, jurisdiction, and how it is sent.
Can AI tell me what law to cite?
Do not rely on AI for that. A lawyer or local legal aid service should confirm applicable law, deadlines, and claims.
Should I send supporting documents?
Usually attach or identify the records needed to substantiate the key facts, while retaining originals. Avoid sending documents that reveal unnecessary private information.