A Letter of Intent to Sue, sometimes called a demand letter or pre-litigation notice, is a formal written notice that you intend to take legal action against another party unless a specific matter is resolved within a set time.
It is not a lawsuit. It is the step that often comes before filing one.
A well-drafted letter of intent to sue communicates four things clearly:
- Who is making the claim and against whom
- What happened and why you believe you have a claim
- What outcome you are seeking to resolve the matter
- How long the recipient has to respond before you consider further action
Letters of intent to sue are commonly used in disputes involving unpaid debts, breach of contract, property damage, unreturned deposits, professional services that weren't delivered, and similar civil matters. They can also be used in defamation, harassment, and negligence disputes, though these situations often benefit from professional legal input before sending.
Sending a letter of intent to sue gives both parties a chance to resolve the dispute without going to court. Court proceedings take time, cost money, and create a public record. A clearly written demand letter often prompts a response, a settlement offer, or a productive conversation that avoids the need for formal litigation.
In some situations, sending a demand letter before filing a lawsuit is also a practical step that courts and the other party expect. It shows that you tried to resolve the matter in good faith before escalating.
This template walks you through each section step by step:
- Identifying the sender and recipient
- Describing the dispute and the basis of your claim
- Listing what you've already tried
- Stating what you want to resolve the matter
- Setting a reasonable response deadline
- Signing and delivering the letter
