How a demand letter actually works
The cheapest, fastest way to assert a legal right. Most disputes resolve here. The rest become Exhibit A.
Every letter needs four things
- Parties named correctly. Legal entity — not the trading name.
- Statute cited. The exact section. Not "this is unfair."
- Specific demand. What, by when, in concrete terms.
- Deadline + consequence. A date plus the next step you'll take.
Common mistakes
- Hedging. "Would appreciate" reads optional. "Within 14 days" reads demand.
- Wrong recipient. Send to the decision-maker or the registered office.
- No proof of service. Tracked mail and email. Keep the receipt.
- Criminal threats over civil disputes. Cite the right forum, not the police.
When NOT to use one
Violent ex, bailiff at the door, hospital denying urgent care — a letter is the wrong tool. Use 911 / 999 or a same-day court application. See our emergency pages.
Every Commoner Law letter ships with the statute, the deadline, and a follow-up checklist.