How to Fill Out a Letter of Demand
Written by Odirile Melissah Seboni
Edited by Tshegofatso M Seretse
What is a Letter of Demand?
A Letter of Demand is essentially your last chance to ask someone to settle what they owe you before you take legal action. It’s an official letter stating that unless they pay what they owe, you intend to file a case in court to recover the money owed to you.
Why is Sending This Letter Necessary?
The law requires you to send this letter before filing your case. It is your way of giving the other person a fair chance to resolve the matter outside court. Many people settle once they receive an official demand, it costs nothing to send and it shows that you have been reasonable in trying to solve the issue first. Plus, the court won’t accept your case without it.
When is Small Claims Court Appropriate?
Small Claims Court is designed for smaller disputes such as money claims up to P10,000, simple contract disagreements, goods not delivered, services not properly performed or return of property. However, it is not suitable for larger claims over P10,000, criminal cases, family law issues or land disputes.
Step-by-Step:
Download the Demand Letter Template
If you don’t have a demand letter template, get yours now below:
T6:Demand Letter Template
This professionally written Demand Letter Template is designed for use by anyone especially in Botswana. If someone owes you money, then this template is for you to demand any outstanding payments. It is ideal for businesses, NGOs, startups, and individuals who want to demand any outstanding.
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How to Fill Out a Letter of Demand
After downloading it, now fill in blanks, the template is a word document so you can easily edit it. Below is a guide of how to use our Demand Letter template.
Add Your Address and Date
Add your address where you can be reached or where you can receive correspondences. Also add the date which the letter was written and signed.
Add Recipient’s Address
Add the address of the person who owes you, the one who you will be sending this letter to.
State Your Demand
In this part you state the amount that you are owed in numbers and state it again in words in brackets. You will also explain how the debt occurred or how it came about for the recipient to owe you.
Previous Communications
If you have had previous communications with the debtor before, this is your chance to highlight that, if you have dates of previous times you demanded your money back please insert them here.
Warning About Court Action
Inform the person that if they do not comply within the specified time frame on the letter, then you will proceed with court action in the Small Claims Court for your area (e.g., Gaborone).
Signing Off your Letter
Sign your name in the signature line provided below at the end of the letter. If you print the document and the document is more than 1 page, then initial the page without the signature.
How to Deliver Your Letter
You can hand deliver it, send it by registered mail or give it through a trusted mutual contact. Always ensure you get proof of delivery, such as a signed receipt or witness confirmation, because you will need this evidence if you proceed to court.
What to Do After Sending the Letter
Wait for the prescribed period to end. This waiting period gives the person who owes you a chance to respond or settle the debt before you begin any legal proceedings. If the recipient responds or pays, get the agreement in writing and keep records. If they do not respond, you can now file your case in Small Claims Court (depending on the amount of money you are owed) with the letter, proof of delivery and all evidence for your claim.
Demand Letter is a useful document
A demand letter is a very important document to use especially when you are considering taking legal action against the person who owes you. It is very effective as it serves both as a formal demand and it can be used in court to show that you tried to get your money back. If someone owes you money, then use our easy to use Demand Letter template now to get it back or start your legal journey the right way.
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