From grimoire
Drafts formal pre-litigation demand letters for legal claims like unpaid invoices, breach of contract, property damage, or security deposit disputes.
How this skill is triggered — by the user, by Claude, or both
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/grimoire:write-demand-letterThe summary Claude sees in its skill listing — used to decide when to auto-load this skill
Draft a formal pre-litigation notice that states your claim precisely, demands specific relief by a firm deadline, and creates an enforceable paper trail.
Draft a formal pre-litigation notice that states your claim precisely, demands specific relief by a firm deadline, and creates an enforceable paper trail.
Adopted by: Demand letters are used by every litigation attorney before filing suit — courts in most jurisdictions require good-faith attempts to resolve disputes before accepting certain case types. Small claims courts across all 50 US states permit self-represented litigants; a demand letter is the expected prerequisite. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau recommends written demand as the first step in debt collection disputes.
Impact: A properly written demand letter resolves approximately 40–60% of small disputes without court involvement (NOLO small claims research, 2022). It costs nothing but time, creates a legal record, restarts statutes of limitations in some jurisdictions, and demonstrates good faith — which matters to judges if the case proceeds. An unpaid $5,000 invoice that goes to small claims after a demand letter costs $30–$75 in filing fees vs. $3,000–$10,000 in attorney fees for civil court.
Why best: An email saying "please pay me" is not a demand letter. A proper demand letter references the legal basis for the claim, states a specific dollar amount and deadline, identifies consequences of non-compliance (legal action), and is sent via a method that creates proof of delivery. These elements signal seriousness to the recipient and create a record that courts find credible.
Sources: ABA Model Rules of Professional Conduct (2023); Warner, Everybody's Guide to Small Claims Court (NOLO, 2023); Black's Law Dictionary (demand, breach, consideration)
Ask: (1) Do I have a valid contract, oral or written? (2) Did the other party breach it? (3) Can I quantify my damages? (4) Is the claim within the statute of limitations (typically 3–6 years for contracts; 1–2 years for personal injury; varies by state)? If all four are yes, proceed.
Collect before drafting:
You will not attach all of these to the letter — but reference them specifically and retain originals.
Opening — Identify the parties and relationship:
"This letter constitutes formal notice to [Full Legal Name of Recipient] ('Recipient') from [Your Full Legal Name] ('Claimant') regarding [brief description: 'an unpaid invoice for services rendered' / 'breach of contract dated [date]' / 'damage to property at [address]']."
Facts — State what happened, objectively:
"On [date], we entered into a written agreement pursuant to which [Recipient] agreed to [obligation]. On [date], I performed [your obligation]. As of the date of this letter, [Recipient] has failed to [pay / return / repair / vacate] despite repeated requests on [dates]."
State only verifiable facts. Do not editorialize, threaten, or express frustration. Courts read these letters.
Legal basis — Name the claim:
"This failure constitutes a breach of contract / conversion of property / violation of [state] Civil Code § [X] (security deposit return) / violation of the [state] Wage Payment Act."
You do not need to cite statutes for simple breach — "breach of contract" is sufficient. Cite statutes when they exist and are clearly applicable (landlord-tenant, wage law, consumer protection).
Relief demanded — Be specific:
"Claimant hereby demands that [Recipient]: (1) pay the sum of $[exact amount], representing [itemised: principal $X, interest $X at [rate]% per annum from [date]]; (2) [return / repair / vacate] [specific property or obligation]; by no later than [date — give 14–30 days]."
Consequence of non-compliance:
"If Recipient fails to comply by the above deadline, Claimant intends to pursue all available legal remedies, including but not limited to filing suit in [appropriate court], seeking recovery of the full amount owed plus court costs, filing fees, and any applicable attorney's fees as permitted by law."
Closing:
"Nothing in this letter shall be construed as a waiver of any rights or remedies available to Claimant. Claimant reserves all rights."
Sign with your full legal name and date.
If no response by the deadline: file in small claims court (for amounts under the state limit, typically $5,000–$25,000) or consult an attorney for larger amounts. The demand letter is Exhibit A.
Unpaid invoice ($3,200, freelance designer):
"On March 1, 2025, we entered into a written agreement pursuant to which I agreed to design a brand identity package for [Company] in exchange for payment of $3,200 due upon delivery of final files. On April 10, 2025, I delivered the completed files via email (see attached). As of the date of this letter, payment has not been received despite invoices sent on April 10, May 1, and May 20, 2025. I demand payment of $3,200 by June 15, 2025. If payment is not received by that date, I will file suit in [County] Small Claims Court."
Security deposit not returned ($1,800, California):
"Pursuant to California Civil Code § 1950.5, you were required to return my security deposit of $1,800, or a written itemised statement of deductions, within 21 days of my vacating the premises on April 30, 2025. As of the date of this letter, I have received neither. I demand the return of $1,800 by May 30, 2025. Under Civil Code § 1950.5(l), your failure to comply in good faith entitles me to twice the amount of the security deposit withheld in bad faith."
Sending an email that says "I'll sue you": This is not a demand letter. It lacks the legal elements, documentation references, and precise remedy. Courts do not treat informal threats as formal notice.
Demanding an unrealistic amount: Claiming $50,000 for a $3,000 breach signals bad faith and undermines your credibility. Demand the actual amount owed, plus documented consequential damages if applicable.
Giving too short a deadline (3–5 days): Courts view this as bad faith. A 14-day minimum is standard for simple claims.
Waiting too long: Statutes of limitations are absolute. A demand letter stops nothing — only filing suit tolls the statute (in most states). Know your deadline before you write.
Not retaining proof of delivery: "I sent it" without a return receipt or email delivery confirmation is unverifiable. Always send certified mail.
Legal disclaimer: This skill encodes professional best practices for educational purposes. It is not legal advice. Demand letters can have strategic and legal consequences specific to your situation. For claims involving significant amounts, consumer protection statutes, or potential counterclaims, consult a licensed attorney before sending.
npx claudepluginhub jeffreytse/grimoire --plugin grimoireDrafts a demand letter from a completed intake, gated on privilege, waiver, admission, and FRE 408 checks, with .docx output and post-send checklist.
Provides legal writing expertise for contract drafting, legal memoranda, discovery, and correspondence. Auto-activates when legal drafting tasks are detected.
Drafts cease-and-desist letters or triages incoming C&Ds into structured options memos with recommendations. Supports send and receive modes.