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Small Claims Demand Letter Template
Send a clear, final demand before starting a small claims case, with the amount owed and deadline in writing.
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Small Claims Demand Letter Template
[Your Name]
[Your Street Address]
[City, State/Province, ZIP/Postal Code, Country]
Phone: [Your Phone Number]
Email: [Your Email Address]
[Date]
[Recipient Name]
[Recipient Business Name, if applicable]
[Street Address]
[City, State/Province, ZIP/Postal Code, Country]
Subject: Small Claims Demand for Payment – [Reference / Account / Invoice / Case No.: _____]
1. Introduction and Background
Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx. Last Name] / [To Whom It May Concern],
This letter is a formal demand for payment and a final attempt to resolve this matter before I consider filing a claim in small claims court.
The dispute arises from the following situation:
Brief description of what happened: [Example: “On [Date], I loaned you [Amount] under our written agreement,” or “On [Date], I hired your company to perform [Service] at [Location].”]
Relevant agreement or understanding: [Example: “We agreed that you would repay the loan by [Date],” or “We agreed in writing that you would complete the work by [Date].”]
2. Details of the Claim
Based on our agreement and what has occurred, the following amounts are now owed:
Principal amount owed: [Currency and Amount]
Additional charges or costs claimed (if any): [Currency and Amount and short description]
Payments received to date (if any): [Currency and Amount]
Total amount I am demanding as of the date of this letter:
Total Amount Demanded: [Currency and Total Amount]
If any interest, late fees, or additional costs continue to accrue under our agreement or applicable law, the total amount owed may increase after [Date].
3. Prior Attempts to Resolve
I have already attempted to resolve this matter directly with you, including:
[Brief description of prior attempts, such as emails, calls, texts, or letters, with dates]
Despite these efforts, the amount owed remains unpaid and the dispute is still unresolved.
4. Demand for Payment and Deadline
I hereby demand that you pay the Total Amount Demanded in full no later than:
Payment Deadline: [Date – for example, 7, 10, or 14 days from the date of this letter]
If you believe that a different amount is owed, or that no amount is owed, you must respond in writing by the same deadline with your explanation and any supporting documents.
5. Payment Instructions
You may pay the amount demanded using the following details:
Bank Transfer:
Account Name: [Your Account Name]
Bank Name: [Your Bank Name]
Bank Address: [Your Bank Address]
Account Number / IBAN: [Your Account Number / IBAN]
SWIFT / BIC (if applicable): [Your SWIFT/BIC]
Payment Reference: [“Small Claims Demand –” + Your Name / Reference]
Other accepted methods (if you allow them):
[Example: “Check payable to [Your Name], mailed to the address above.”]
[Example: “Online payment via [Platform] using reference [Reference].”]
6. Notice of Possible Small Claims Court Action
If I do not receive full payment of the Total Amount Demanded, or a written response that reasonably resolves this matter, by the Payment Deadline, I may file a claim against you in small claims court without further notice.
If I file in small claims court, I may also seek:
Court costs and filing fees, and
Any other amounts allowed by law or court rules.
7. Opportunity to Resolve or Discuss
I would prefer to resolve this dispute without going to court. If you wish to:
Propose a reasonable payment plan, or
Discuss any disagreement about the amount owed, or
Provide proof of payment,
please contact me in writing at the email or mailing address listed above before the Payment Deadline.
Any agreement to settle or pay in installments should be recorded in writing and confirmed by both of us.
8. Reservation of Rights
Nothing in this letter waives or limits any rights or remedies I may have under our agreement or under applicable law. All such rights and remedies are expressly reserved, including the right to revise the amount claimed if new information or costs arise.
9. Closing
This letter is sent in good faith as a final opportunity to resolve this matter informally. I strongly encourage you to treat this demand seriously and respond within the time allowed.
Sincerely,
[Your Signature, if printed]
[Your Printed Name]
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Learn more about
Small Claims Demand Letter Template
Click below for detailed info on the template.
For quick answers, scroll below to see the FAQ.
Click below for detailed info on the template.
For quick answers, scroll below to see the FAQ.
SMALL CLAIMS DEMAND LETTER TEMPLATE FAQ
What is a small claims demand letter?
A small claims demand letter is a formal written notice you send to a person or business before filing a claim in small claims court. It explains why money is owed, states the amount you are demanding, sets a deadline to pay, and warns that you may start a small claims case if the matter is not resolved.
Do I have to send a demand letter before small claims court?
In many places, courts either require or strongly expect you to try to resolve the dispute first by contacting the other side and demanding payment or performance. A written demand letter is a simple way to show that you made a good-faith effort before filing a small claims case.
What should a small claims demand letter include?
A strong demand letter clearly identifies both parties, briefly describes what happened, cites any relevant agreements or invoices, states the amount you are claiming, sets a specific payment deadline, includes payment instructions, and explains that you may file a small claims lawsuit if the dispute is not resolved.
Can I use this template for different types of small claims disputes?
Yes. You can adapt this template for unpaid loans, unpaid invoices, security deposits, property damage, minor contract disputes, or other money claims that fit within your local small claims court limit. Adjust the facts, dates, and amounts to match your situation.
Does sending a small claims demand letter guarantee that I will win in court?
No. This letter simply states your position and gives the other side a final chance to resolve the matter voluntarily. A judge will still look at the evidence and law. However, the letter can be useful evidence that you tried to settle the dispute before filing.
Can AI Lawyer help me customize this small claims demand letter?
Yes. AI Lawyer can help you adapt this Small Claims Demand Letter template by refining your facts, amounts, deadlines, and requested resolution while keeping the tone firm but professional. You still provide the real details and remain responsible for any decision to file in small claims court.
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