Can You Send a Demand Letter Without a Lawyer?

Short answer: Yes, absolutely. There is no legal requirement that a demand letter come from an attorney. Anyone can write and send a demand letter, and in many cases, doing it yourself is the smarter move.

But "can you" and "should you" are different questions. This guide covers when it makes sense to write your own demand letter, when you might want a lawyer, and how to make a DIY demand letter just as effective as one on legal letterhead.

Is There a Legal Requirement for a Lawyer?

No. There is no law in any U.S. state requiring that a demand letter be written or sent by an attorney. A demand letter is simply a formal written request asking someone to do something (usually pay money or stop a behavior) before you take legal action.

That said, there are a few situations where the process around the letter may have legal requirements:

• Massachusetts Chapter 93A: Requires a 30-day demand letter before filing a consumer protection lawsuit. The letter itself doesn't need to come from a lawyer.
• Some state consumer protection laws require written notice before filing suit, but the notice can come from you directly.
• Certain contract clauses may specify a dispute resolution process. Check your contract first.

When to Write Your Own Demand Letter

Writing your own demand letter makes sense in most everyday disputes. Here's when DIY is the right call:

Small to Mid-Range Claims ($100-$15,000)

If a lawyer charges $300-$1,000 for a demand letter, and you're trying to recover $2,000 in unpaid wages or a $1,500 security deposit, hiring an attorney eats into your recovery. For claims in this range, a self-written letter is almost always the way to go.

Clear-Cut Situations

When the facts are straightforward, you don't need legal expertise to state your case:

• Your landlord didn't return your security deposit
• A contractor took your money and didn't finish the job
• An employer owes you unpaid wages
• A business won't refund a defective product
• Someone owes you money they borrowed

Small Claims Court is Your Backup Plan

If your claim falls within small claims court limits (typically $5,000-$10,000 depending on your state), lawyers aren't even allowed in many small claims courts. Writing your own demand letter is the natural first step.

You Have Good Documentation

If you have receipts, contracts, photos, text messages, or emails supporting your claim, you have everything you need. The evidence speaks louder than legal letterhead.

When a Lawyer Might Be Worth It

Be honest with yourself. Some situations genuinely benefit from professional help:

Complex Legal Issues

If your dispute involves complicated contract interpretation, multiple parties, or unclear liability, a lawyer can help you frame the legal arguments correctly.

Large Claims ($25,000+)

When significant money is at stake, the investment in legal counsel pays for itself. The letter also signals that you have resources behind you.

Dealing with a Corporate Legal Team

If you're going up against a company with in-house counsel, a letter on law firm letterhead may carry more weight. (Though plenty of corporations settle self-written demand letters too.)

Personal Injury Claims

Insurance companies in personal injury cases are experienced at minimizing payouts. An attorney who specializes in these cases can significantly increase your recovery.

How to Write an Effective DIY Demand Letter

A professional-looking demand letter follows a specific structure. Here's what yours needs:

1. Professional Formatting

Use a formal business letter format. Include the date, your full name and address, their full name and address, and a clear subject line like "Demand for Payment - $3,500 Security Deposit."

2. Statement of Facts

Lay out what happened in chronological order. Be specific with dates, amounts, and details. Don't editorialize. Just tell the story.

3. Legal Basis

You don't need a law degree to reference the relevant law. A quick search of your state's statutes for "security deposit" or "wage payment" will give you the specific code section to cite. This shows you've done your homework.

4. Specific Demand

State exactly what you want: a specific dollar amount, by a specific deadline. "I demand payment of $3,500 within 14 days of receipt of this letter."

5. Consequences

State what you'll do if they don't comply. Be honest. If your next step is small claims court, say so. If you'll report them to a licensing board, state that. Only threaten actions you're actually prepared to take.

6. Documentation

Mention the evidence you have ("enclosed please find copies of..."). Don't send originals.

7. Send It Properly

Always send via certified mail with return receipt requested. This proves they received it. Also send a copy via regular mail and email for good measure.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Being Too Emotional

"You're a terrible person and a crook" might feel satisfying but weakens your letter. Stick to facts and law. Let the evidence make your case.

Being Too Vague

"I want my money back" isn't a demand. "I demand payment of $2,847.50, representing my security deposit of $2,500 plus $347.50 in statutory penalties under [State Code Section], within 14 days" is a demand.

Making Threats You Won't Follow Through On

Don't threaten to sue if you have no intention of filing. Don't threaten to call the police over a civil dispute. Only state consequences you're genuinely prepared to pursue.

Sending Without Proof of Delivery

If you just drop it in the mailbox, they can claim they never got it. Always use certified mail.

Forgetting to Keep a Copy

Print an extra copy for yourself. You'll need it if you end up in court.

Do Self-Written Demand Letters Actually Work?

Yes. The effectiveness of a demand letter depends far more on its content than its source. According to legal industry data, demand letters result in some form of resolution 30-50% of the time, and self-written letters with clear documentation perform similarly to attorney letters in small claims matters.

Why? Because the recipient cares about three things:

1. Is the claim legitimate? Good documentation answers this.
2. Will this person actually follow through? A well-written letter with a clear next step signals yes.
3. Is it cheaper to pay than to fight? This is usually true regardless of who wrote the letter.

Compare that to $300-$1,000+ for an attorney-written demand letter, and the math is clear for most small to mid-range disputes.

What If They Don't Respond?

An ignored demand letter isn't a failure. It's documentation that you tried to resolve the dispute before going to court. Judges appreciate this. Read our guide on what happens after you send a demand letter for your next steps.

Key Takeaways

• No legal requirement exists for a demand letter to come from a lawyer
• DIY demand letters make sense for claims under $15,000 with clear documentation
• Professional formatting and specific legal citations increase effectiveness
• Always send via certified mail with return receipt requested
• Self-written demand letters resolve disputes just as effectively for small claims matters
• Our free generator handles the professional formatting and legal language for you

Related Articles

• How Much Does a Demand Letter Cost?
• How to Write a Demand Letter
• How to Send a Demand Letter
• What Happens After You Send a Demand Letter?