Cancel & dispute
How do I send a demand letter before small claims court?
Updated · By the SendMyLettersOnline team
Write a letter stating how much you are owed, why, and a deadline to pay, say you will file in small claims court if it isn't paid, and mail it by Certified Mail with a return receipt. Many courts expect you to ask for payment before suing; in California, for example, the small claims form SC-100 asks whether you asked the defendant to pay and, if not, why not.
| Part | Example | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Amount | $2,400 | The court will ask for an exact figure |
| Basis | Unpaid invoice for fence installed June 3 | Shows your claim in one sentence |
| Evidence | Copies of invoice, texts, photos | Lets the other side check, and previews your case |
| Deadline | A specific date, often 10-14 days out | Gives a clear chance to pay |
| Next step | "I will file in small claims court" | Makes the consequence clear without threats |
Steps
- Gather your documents: contract, invoice, receipts, messages, photos.
- Write the letter with the amount, the facts, the deadline and how to pay. Our demand letter template is a starting point.
- Send it to the person's address or the business's address, by Certified Mail with return receipt.
- Wait for the deadline. If there's no payment, follow your court's filing instructions and bring the letter and both receipts.
Check your court's rules
Small claims limits, fees and pre-filing steps are set by each state. California's small claims self-help pages and the SC-100 form show the kind of question courts ask. Look for the equivalent page on your state court's website.
Some claims have their own pre-suit demand rules, such as Massachusetts' 30-day written demand under c. 93A, section 9. This guide is general information, not legal advice. For a specific dispute, a legal aid office or a licensed attorney in your state can tell you what applies.
Quick answers
How do I send a demand letter before small claims court?
Write it with the amount, the reason and a deadline, and send it by Certified Mail with return receipt so you can show the court the other side received it.
Does a demand letter need to be sent certified mail?
Usually not by law, but it's the best proof. See does a demand letter need certified mail.
How do I send a security deposit demand letter?
The same way: amount, move-out date, deadline, certified mail. See security deposit demand letter.
What to do next
Fill in the demand letter template and send it Certified with return receipt for $17.99, so you have the proof ready for court.
Write my demand letterSources
- California Courts Self-Help: Small claims
- California Judicial Council form SC-100 (Plaintiff's Claim)
- Massachusetts General Laws c. 93A, section 9
- Cornell LII Wex: Demand letter
Checked: . General information, not legal advice. Fees and rules change: confirm current values at the official links above.