What to Consider Before Engaging a Lawyer to Send a Letter of Demand in Singapore

Mark Cheng
Dec 15, 2025
4 min read

Updated: Jan 2

When someone owes you money or breaches a contract, your first instinct might be to get a lawyer to send a letter of demand. It’s often the first step in asserting your rights — but it’s also one that should be taken with clarity and caution.

A letter of demand is a formal notice sent by a lawyer to demand payment or action, usually with a deadline and the threat of legal proceedings. While it’s a powerful tool, it’s not always the right starting point — and not all letters are effective.

Here’s what to consider before engaging a lawyer to send one on your behalf.

1. Do You Have a Clear Legal Basis for the Claim?

Before sending a letter of demand, ask yourself:

Do you have evidence that supports your claim (e.g., contracts, invoices, messages)?
Is the claim legally valid, or is it more of a personal grievance?
Is the other party truly in breach, or is it a misunderstanding?

Sending a letter of demand without a strong legal basis can backfire. It could lead to counterclaims, damage relationships, or even accusations of harassment if not handled properly.

A lawyer can assess the strength of your case before drafting anything.

2. Have You Tried Resolving the Dispute Amicably?

In many cases, it's wise to first try a polite, non-confrontational approach — such as a phone call, reminder email, or informal meeting.

Courts in Singapore often expect parties to show that they’ve made reasonable attempts to resolve disputes before escalating to legal action.

Engaging a lawyer too early may:

Escalate tension unnecessarily
Make the other party less cooperative
Jeopardise ongoing business or personal relationships

That said, if the other party is ignoring you or being unreasonable, a formal letter from a lawyer may be the necessary next step.

3. Are You Prepared for the Next Steps If the Letter Is Ignored?

A letter of demand is not a lawsuit — but it implies the possibility of one.

Ask yourself:

What will I do if they don’t respond?
Am I prepared to take legal action if necessary?
What are the likely costs and outcomes of going to court?

Sending a letter of demand without the intention (or resources) to follow through can weaken your position. It may also affect how seriously the other party takes your claim.

A good lawyer will not only draft the letter — they’ll also guide you on what to do next based on how the other party responds.

4. What Do You Want the Letter to Achieve?

Not all letters of demand are about money. You may be seeking:

Payment of an unpaid invoice
Delivery of goods or services
Return of a security deposit
Compliance with a contract term
Apology or acknowledgment of wrongdoing

Being clear on your objectives helps your lawyer craft a focused and persuasive letter. It also helps you assess whether a negotiated settlement may be more appropriate.

5. Will This Impact Your Reputation or Business Relationships?

In business or personal disputes, there may be long-term relationships to consider.

Think carefully if the recipient is:

A long-time customer or client
A family member or friend
A business partner or supplier

In these situations, an aggressive letter may close doors rather than open them. Your lawyer can adjust the tone to suit the context — ranging from firm but polite to more forceful language if needed.

6. Is the Lawyer Experienced in This Area of Law?

Not all letters of demand are created equal.

You should engage a lawyer who understands:

The specific area of law involved (e.g., contracts, employment, tenancy)
How to structure the letter to avoid defamation or legal missteps
How to negotiate effectively if a settlement is possible

An experienced lawyer will also help you avoid unnecessary litigation, and may recommend alternative dispute resolution where appropriate.

What’s Usually Included in a Letter of Demand?

A properly drafted letter of demand typically includes:

A clear summary of the facts
The legal basis for the claim
The amount or action demanded
A deadline (often 7–14 days)
Notice of intended legal action if there is no response

It should also be written in a professional and legally sound tone — not emotional or threatening.

Common Scenarios Where Letters of Demand Are Used

We commonly assist clients in the following situations:

Unpaid business invoices
Loan repayments between individuals
Disputes with landlords or tenants
Breach of contract (business or personal)
Return of security deposits
Defamation or false statements made publicly

Whether the amount is large or small, a well-drafted letter can often lead to quicker resolution without going to court.

When Is It Time to Send a Letter of Demand?

You should consider sending a letter of demand when:

Informal attempts to resolve the issue have failed
You want to create a clear legal paper trail
The other party is ignoring your messages
You are prepared to consider legal action if necessary

If you’re unsure, speak to a lawyer first. A short consultation can help you decide whether it’s the right move — and what tone and content will work best.

Need Help Drafting a Letter of Demand?

We assist individuals and businesses with preparing and sending professionally drafted letters of demand tailored to their legal situation and goals. We’ll also advise you on the next steps — whether it’s negotiation, settlement, or court action.

Contact us today to speak to a lawyer about your situation — before you send anything.