demand-letter

Demand Letter Skill

A demand letter works when it's calm, factual, and specific: here's what happened, here's the basis, here's exactly what I want, by when, or here's what follows. This skill drafts that letter. Not legal advice — laws and remedies vary; have a qualified lawyer review before sending, especially before threatening litigation.

Working from a brief

Given the dispute, draft the full letter anyway using the facts provided and clearly-labelled placeholders only where the sender must insert specifics (names, exact amounts, dates). Keep the tone firm and professional — never insulting, never an empty threat.

Required Inputs

Ask for (if not already provided):

• Type (payment demand, breach of contract, cease-and-desist, refund, return of property)
• Parties (sender and recipient) and the relationship (contract, invoice, etc.)
• The facts — what happened, with dates and amounts
• The basis — the contract clause, invoice, or obligation relied on
• The demand — exactly what's wanted, and the deadline
• Consequence if unmet (further action / referral to counsel) — kept factual

Output Format

A ready-to-review letter:

• Header — sender, recipient, date, "RE: [subject]", and "Sent via [method]" if relevant
• Opening — who you are and the purpose in one or two sentences
• Statement of facts — a numbered, chronological, neutral account (dates, amounts, what was agreed)
• Basis for the demand — the contract term, invoice, or legal obligation engaged
• The demand — precise and unambiguous: the exact sum/action and the deadline (e.g. "within 14 days of this letter")
• Consequence — what follows if the deadline passes, stated factually (not lurid threats)
• Close — how to respond and to whom; "without prejudice" / reservation-of-rights line if appropriate
• Signature block

End with: ⚠️ Before sending — items to verify (exact figures, the governing clause, applicable notice periods, whether counsel should review or send it).

Quality Checks

• [ ] Facts are neutral, chronological, and verifiable — no insults or characterisation
• [ ] The basis (clause/invoice/obligation) is stated
• [ ] The demand is specific and has a clear deadline
• [ ] Consequences are factual, not exaggerated or unlawful threats
• [ ] Retains the "not legal advice — counsel should review" note

Anti-Patterns

• Angry, insulting, or defamatory language that undermines the sender
• Vague demands ("pay what you owe") with no figure or deadline
• Threats of consequences the sender can't or wouldn't lawfully pursue
• Burying the actual demand in a wall of grievance