Can I ignore a lawyer's letter?
Asked by: Lavinia Wisoky | Last update: September 5, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (53 votes)
If you've received a demand letter, immediately contact an attorney for help. Never ignore a demand letter, but don't write a response on your own either. Only an attorney can offer the legal advice and services necessary to help you defend against a demand letter.
What happens if you ignore a letter from a lawyer?
If you simply ignore the letter, the plaintiff's next step will almost certainly be to file a lawsuit. If that happens, your cost to resolve the suit—be it through a settlement, a win at trial, or a loss at trial—will rise dramatically.
Do you have to respond to a lawyer letter?
Typically, demand letters require a written reply within a specified timeframe. Failure to respond may prompt the sender, often a law firm, to pursue legal action against you by filing in court.
What are the consequences of ignoring a demand letter?
Consequences of Ignoring a Demand Letter
Increasing the likelihood of a lawsuit and potential financial losses: Not addressing the issue can lead to a small claims court case or other legal action, resulting in additional costs.
Can a demand letter backfire?
Before you draft your own demand letter and fire it off thinking your actions will result in getting paid, getting the services you contracted for, demanding the satisfaction that you were expecting, consider that writing your own demand letter can backfire badly!
Jack, can I just ignore a lawsuit or letter?
How powerful is a demand letter?
Demand letters show the owner that you're serious about getting paid. Sending a demand letter prior to litigation is a sign of good faith in the eyes of the law. In court, the language in your demand letter can support your case. Successful demand letters significantly reduce the cost of getting paid.
How long after a demand letter can I expect settlement?
In some cases, you may receive a response within a few weeks, while in others, it may take several months.
What not to say in a demand letter?
Don't Be Threatening
While the dispute of payment may have become personal, a demand letter is meant to encourage a desirable resolution. The use of threatening or insulting language may embolden the owner into not paying when they otherwise would have. And remember, a judge may one day look at this letter in court.
Can a demand letter be considered harassment?
Demand letters are sometimes used as a form of harassment and/or intimidation.
What are the risks of a demand letter?
Potential Legal Risks
Demand letters that include threats of litigation, accusations of infringement, recitations of the legal requirements for infringement, and/or a refusal for the marks to co-exist may increase the risk that the trademark holder will be subject to a declaratory judgment action.
Why would I be getting a letter from a lawyer?
A legal letter often signals that a lawsuit is on the way. While that thought may seem terrifying, think of it as an attempt to resolve a disputebeforefiling legal action or even going to court. If you've received one, make sure it's credible and think your options through carefully.
Can you sue a lawyer for not responding?
Your Lawyer Missed a Deadline
Failing to respond to discovery requests or file complaints on time can be detrimental to the client's case. Mistakes such as these can prevent key evidence from being admitted and alter the outcome of the case, which would create strong grounds for a malpractice case.
Does a demand letter need to be notarized?
Why Notarize a Demand Letter? Although notarization is not legally required for demand letters, there are certain advantages to notarizing such a document: Strengthening the Evidence: A notarized document carries more weight in legal proceedings.
Do I have to answer a letter from an attorney?
There is no legal requirement to respond to a demand letter, but don't brush it off – and don't make the decision to respond or not on your own. Just as drafting your own response can cause you legal trouble, so too can making the choice to respond or not without advice from legal counsel.
Can a lawyer drop your case without telling you?
First, the attorney must give the client proper notice of the intended withdrawal as well as notices of upcoming hearing dates, etc. The attorney must also notify the court of the client's contact information so that notices can be sent directly to the client following the withdrawal.
What are the disadvantages of a letter of demand?
However, sending a letter of demand can have its disadvantages. Depending on the situation, the other party may feel threatened and respond negatively, or they may not respond at all. They might engage a lawyer, or they might even start legal action against you.
What happens if I ignore a lawyer's letter?
Firstly, you will very likely end up in a lawsuit and miss the opportunity for early resolution. Secondly, judges and juries do not appreciate those who ignore civil demand letters that assert a legitimate claim.
How can a demand letter backfire?
Demand letters are valuable tools for creating records, dispute resolution, and much more. But, they can backfire and lead to liability for the sender and even its attorney for threats or demands that are legally improper.
What happens if I don't respond to a demand letter?
Most demand letters will instruct you to provide a written reply (your response letter) within a certain amount of time (the response deadline), or else the sending party (the obligee) will consider taking legal action against you.
How much does a demand letter cost from a lawyer?
Flat Fee Rates for Demand Letters
If the client wishes to have consultations, communications, or ongoing representation, the lawyer may charge more. ContractsCounsel's marketplace data shows the average flat fee rate for a demand letter to be $450.00.
Is it worth going to small claims court for $500?
Conclusion: Going to small claims court may be worth it for $500, but it will determine how you weigh your costs versus benefits. At a minimum, it is worth it to send a demand letter.
What makes a strong demand letter?
A demand letter should clearly state the details of the dispute, describe the demand, and provide a deadline for the other party to take action. The letter should also include consequences if the demands aren't met.
How successful are demand letters?
No, demand letters don't always work—and they're less effective now than they were ten years ago. However, they remain a valuable step in most cases. Here's why: the time spent preparing a demand letter is never wasted.
What comes after the demand letter?
Once your lawyer submits a demand letter to the insurance company, you can typically expect a response within 30 to 45 days, though some insurers may take longer. The insurer can choose to accept the offer, propose a counteroffer, or reject the claim outright.
Can you sue for a demand letter?
After sending a demand letter, you will have to wait to see if the recipient responds or ignores your demand letter. If you receive no response, here are two steps you can take: Send a final demand letter. Sue in small claims court.