Demand Letter Skill
A demand letter works when it's calm, factual, and specific: here's what happened, here's the basis, here's exactly what I want, by when, or here's what follows. This skill drafts that letter. Not legal advice — laws and remedies vary; have a qualified lawyer review before sending, especially before threatening litigation.
Working from a brief
Given the dispute, draft the full letter anyway using the facts provided and clearly-labelled placeholders only where the sender must insert specifics (names, exact amounts, dates). Keep the tone firm and professional — never insulting, never an empty threat.
Required Inputs
Ask for (if not already provided):
- Type (payment demand, breach of contract, cease-and-desist, refund, return of property)
- Parties (sender and recipient) and the relationship (contract, invoice, etc.)
- The facts — what happened, with dates and amounts
- The basis — the contract clause, invoice, or obligation relied on
- The demand — exactly what's wanted, and the deadline
- Consequence if unmet (further action / referral to counsel) — kept factual
Output Format
A ready-to-review letter:
- Header — sender, recipient, date, "RE: [subject]", and "Sent via [method]" if relevant
- Opening — who you are and the purpose in one or two sentences
- Statement of facts — a numbered, chronological, neutral account (dates, amounts, what was agreed)
- Basis for the demand — the contract term, invoice, or legal obligation engaged
- The demand — precise and unambiguous: the exact sum/action and the deadline (e.g. "within 14 days of this letter")
- Consequence — what follows if the deadline passes, stated factually (not lurid threats)
- Close — how to respond and to whom; "without prejudice" / reservation-of-rights line if appropriate
- Signature block
End with: ⚠️ Before sending — items to verify (exact figures, the governing clause, applicable notice periods, whether counsel should review or send it).
Quality Checks
Anti-Patterns
- Angry, insulting, or defamatory language that undermines the sender
- Vague demands ("pay what you owe") with no figure or deadline
- Threats of consequences the sender can't or wouldn't lawfully pursue
- Burying the actual demand in a wall of grievance
1---2name: demand-letter3description: Draft a firm, professional demand letter that states the facts, the legal/contractual basis, the specific demand, and a deadline. Use when asked to write a demand letter, send a formal demand for payment, draft a cease-and-desist, or formally request resolution before legal action. Produces a structured, factual letter with a clear ask and consequences — assertive but not threatening or defamatory. Not legal advice; have counsel review before sending.4---5
6# Demand Letter Skill
7
8A demand letter works when it's calm, factual, and specific: here's what happened, here's the basis, here's exactly what I want, by when, or here's what follows. This skill drafts that letter. **Not legal advice — laws and remedies vary; have a qualified lawyer review before sending, especially before threatening litigation.**
9
10## Working from a brief
11
12Given the dispute, **draft the full letter anyway** using the facts provided and clearly-labelled placeholders only where the sender must insert specifics (names, exact amounts, dates). Keep the tone firm and professional — never insulting, never an empty threat.
13
14## Required Inputs
15
16Ask for (if not already provided):
17- **Type** (payment demand, breach of contract, cease-and-desist, refund, return of property)
18- **Parties** (sender and recipient) and the **relationship** (contract, invoice, etc.)
19- **The facts** — what happened, with dates and amounts
20- **The basis** — the contract clause, invoice, or obligation relied on
21- **The demand** — exactly what's wanted, and the **deadline**
22- **Consequence** if unmet (further action / referral to counsel) — kept factual
23
24## Output Format
25
26A ready-to-review letter:
27- **Header** — sender, recipient, date, "RE: [subject]", and "Sent via [method]" if relevant
28- **Opening** — who you are and the purpose in one or two sentences
29- **Statement of facts** — a numbered, chronological, neutral account (dates, amounts, what was agreed)
30- **Basis for the demand** — the contract term, invoice, or legal obligation engaged
31- **The demand** — precise and unambiguous: the exact sum/action and the **deadline** (e.g. "within 14 days of this letter")
32- **Consequence** — what follows if the deadline passes, stated factually (not lurid threats)
33- **Close** — how to respond and to whom; "without prejudice" / reservation-of-rights line if appropriate
34- **Signature block**
35
36End with: **⚠️ Before sending** — items to verify (exact figures, the governing clause, applicable notice periods, whether counsel should review or send it).
37
38## Quality Checks
39
40- [ ] Facts are neutral, chronological, and verifiable — no insults or characterisation
41- [ ] The basis (clause/invoice/obligation) is stated
42- [ ] The demand is specific and has a clear deadline
43- [ ] Consequences are factual, not exaggerated or unlawful threats
44- [ ] Retains the "not legal advice — counsel should review" note
45
46## Anti-Patterns
47
48- Angry, insulting, or defamatory language that undermines the sender
49- Vague demands ("pay what you owe") with no figure or deadline
50- Threats of consequences the sender can't or wouldn't lawfully pursue
51- Burying the actual demand in a wall of grievance
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