Demand Letter Response Time
Demand letters usually set a response deadline. To show that the demand is being taken seriously, the response letter should be sent before the deadline expires.
What to Do After Receiving a Demand Letter
Upon receiving a demand letter, the recipient should first verify the validity of the sender’s claims. In some cases, the claims may be unfounded, and the letter is sent as a scare tactic to elicit payment or a quick settlement.
Even if the claims are baseless, a response letter should be sent to state the recipient’s position. Ignoring the letter is not recommended, as it can strengthen the claimant’s case by implying the recipient refused to negotiate in good faith.
It’s also essential to keep a copy of the demand letter and maintain records of all emails, phone calls, follow-up letters, and other communications between the parties.
Sending a Response Letter
A response can be sent by the person who received the demand letter or someone representing them, like their attorney or insurance company. Common delivery methods for the letter include:
- Certified Mail – Preferred for creating a documented delivery record.
- Expedited Shipping – If urgency is a factor, express shipping via UPS, FedEx, or similar services is an option, provided it includes both signature and delivery confirmation.
- Standard Delivery – Options like regular mail, email, fax, and in-person delivery are acceptable but offer less proof of receipt.
Sample
Download: PDF, Word (.docx), OpenDocument
[SENDER NAME]
[SENDER ADDRESS]
[SENDER CONTACT INFO]
Date: [DATE]
[RECIPIENT NAME (AND TITLE, IF APPLICABLE)]
[RECIPIENT BUSINESS NAME (IF APPLICABLE)]
[RECIPIENT ADDRESS]
Dear [RECIPIENT NAME],
I, [NAME OF PERSON SENDING LETTER], am sending this letter as a response to the demand letter received on [DATE] regarding the following: [DESCRIBE ORIGINAL CLAIMS AND DEMANDS].
Be advised that this letter does not represent a refusal or acceptance of the demands presented in your letter but serves to inform you that the claims are being reviewed and investigated.
We take this matter seriously and will provide a subsequent response within [#] days. In the meantime, we respectfully request you to cease and desist all activities related to your original demand except for communication that may assist in our review.
Sincerely,
________________________
[SENDER NAME (AND TITLE, IF APPLICABLE)]