When a client or customer owes your business money, frustration can build quickly. You’ve delivered your part of the deal, but payment hasn’t arrived. Before rushing to court or engaging debt collectors, one critical step can often prompt action and strengthen your legal position — the letter of demand.
Knowing when to send it is just as important as knowing how to send it.
What is a Letter of Demand?
A letter of demand is a formal written request for payment or performance of an obligation. It outlines the debt owed, the relevant contract or agreement, and a deadline for payment — often 7, 14, or 21 days.
It serves two main purposes:
- To give the debtor a final opportunity to pay before legal proceedings.
- To create a paper trail showing you acted reasonably and fairly before escalating the dispute.
When Should You Send It?
Timing is everything. Send a letter of demand too early, and you risk damaging the commercial relationship. Send it too late, and you may miss opportunities to recover the debt efficiently.
Generally, you should send a letter of demand when:
- Payment is significantly overdue and reminders haven’t worked.
- You’ve made reasonable attempts to resolve the matter informally.
- You want to demonstrate seriousness without immediately commencing legal action.
It’s also critical to act before limitation periods expire — once those pass, you may lose your right to sue altogether.
The Legal Impact of Sending a Letter of Demand
A well-drafted letter of demand shows the court (if things escalate) that you’ve acted properly. It may also:
- Trigger payment — many debtors pay once they realise legal action is imminent.
- Start the clock for pre-litigation timeframes required under some laws or contracts.
- Preserve evidence — the letter itself can be tendered as proof of your efforts to resolve the matter.
Get the Timing and Wording Right
A letter of demand isn’t just an email reminder — it’s a legal document that can influence how your dispute unfolds. Poor wording or premature timing can weaken your position, while a well-timed, properly drafted demand can quickly resolve the issue without court involvement.
At Twomey Dispute Lawyers, we help businesses send strategic, legally compliant letters of demand that get results — fast.
Need help recovering a debt? Talk to our team today before it escalates further.
