If you’re owed money and haven’t been able to collect it through other means, sending a letter of intent to sue may be your next step. This letter serves as a warning to the person or company that you intend to pursue legal action if payment isn’t made. Below are seven sample letters of intent to sue for money owed. All of them can be edited as needed to fit your specific situation.
Example 1: Unpaid Invoice
Dear [Name],
I am writing to express my disappointment that the invoice I sent on [Date] for [Amount] has still not been paid. Despite reminders, phone calls, and email exchanges, the payment remains outstanding.
Please be advised that I am considering legal action to recover the debt. I would prefer to avoid this route, but I will have no choice if payment isn’t received by [Date].
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Rental Arrears
Dear [Name],
I am writing to inform you that I have yet to receive payment for the rent on your property located at [Address]. You are [Number of Months] months in arrears, despite numerous attempts to contact you and arrange payment.
As a result, I am left with no choice but to initiate legal proceedings to recover the debt. If payment isn’t received by [Date], I will be forced to take legal action.
Please be advised that this action may result in additional costs and fees beyond the original debt.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Unpaid Loan
Dear [Name],
I am writing to remind you of the loan you took from me on [Date] for [Amount]. Despite numerous attempts to contact you and arrange a payment schedule, the loan remains unpaid.
Please be advised that I intend to pursue legal action to recover the debt. If payment isn’t received by [Date], I will have no choice but to take legal action.
If you wish to arrange an alternative payment schedule or have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Unpaid Wages
Dear [Name],
I am writing to express my concern that your company has yet to remit payment for wages owed to me for work completed on [Date]. Despite numerous attempts to contact you and arrange payment, the amount remains outstanding.
Please be advised that I intend to initiate legal proceedings to recover the debt. If payment isn’t received by [Date], I will have no choice but to take legal action.
If there is any confusion or discrepancy regarding my pay, I am happy to discuss it with you. However, until the matter is resolved, I expect to receive payment for the work completed.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Unpaid Medical Bill
Dear [Name],
I am writing to express my concern regarding the unpaid medical bill from [Date] for [Amount]. Despite numerous attempts to contact you and arrange payment, the amount remains outstanding.
Please be advised that I intend to initiate legal proceedings to recover the debt. If payment isn’t received by [Date], I will have no choice but to take legal action.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding the bill, please do not hesitate to contact me. However, until the matter is resolved, I expect to receive payment for the services rendered.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Unpaid Child Support
Dear [Name],
I am writing to remind you of your obligation to pay child support for [Child’s Name]. Despite numerous attempts to contact you and arrange payment, the amount remains outstanding.
Please be advised that I intend to initiate legal proceedings to recover the debt. If payment isn’t received by [Date], I will have no choice but to take legal action.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child support obligation, please do not hesitate to contact me or your lawyer. However, until the matter is resolved, I expect to receive payment for the support owed.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 7: Unpaid Contractor Invoice
Dear [Name],
I am writing to express my concern regarding the unpaid invoice for services rendered on [Date] for [Amount]. Despite numerous attempts to contact you and arrange payment, the amount remains outstanding.
Please be advised that I intend to initiate legal proceedings to recover the debt. If payment isn’t received by [Date], I will have no choice but to take legal action.
If there is any confusion or discrepancy regarding the invoice, I am happy to discuss it with you. However, until the matter is resolved, I expect to receive payment for the services rendered.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Related Tips: How to Write an Effective Letter of Intent to Sue for Money Owed
When writing a letter of intent to sue for money owed, keep the following tips in mind:
- Be clear and concise.
- Include specific details, such as the amount owed and the date it was due.
- Express your willingness to work out a payment arrangement if possible.
- Provide a clear deadline for payment before legal action is taken.
- Maintain a professional tone throughout the letter.
- Make copies of all correspondence for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a letter of intent to sue for money owed?
A letter of intent to sue for money owed is a warning letter sent to someone who owes you money. It serves as a notice that legal action may be taken if payment isn’t received by a specific date.
When should I send a letter of intent to sue for money owed?
If you’ve tried other means to collect a debt, such as phone calls and emails, and haven’t been successful, a letter of intent to sue may be your next step. It should be sent before initiating legal action to give the debtor one last chance to pay.
What should I include in a letter of intent to sue for money owed?
A letter of intent to sue for money owed should include specific details, such as the amount owed and the date it was due. It should also express your willingness to work out a payment arrangement if possible and provide a clear deadline for payment before legal action is taken.
What tone should I use in a letter of intent to sue for money owed?
A letter of intent to sue for money owed should maintain a professional tone throughout. It should be clear and concise, with specific details about the debt owed and the consequences of non-payment.
What should I do after sending a letter of intent to sue for money owed?
After sending a letter of intent to sue for money owed, you should wait until the deadline for payment has passed before initiating legal action. If payment is received by the deadline, you may be able to avoid legal action altogether. If not, you may need to contact a lawyer to pursue legal action.
Can I write my own letter of intent to sue for money owed, or do I need a lawyer?
You can write your own letter of intent to sue for money owed, but if legal action becomes necessary, you may need the assistance of a lawyer.
Conclusion
A letter of intent to sue for money owed is a serious matter, but it may be necessary if you’ve exhausted other means of collecting a debt. By following the tips above and using the sample letters provided, you can draft an effective letter that maximizes your chances of recovering the money owed to you.