Notice of Intent to Sue Letter Template

Updated December 5, 2025 • Pre-Litigation ✓ Legal Notice ✓ Court-Ready ✓

Use this free notice of intent to sue template to formally notify someone you plan to file a lawsuit if they do not resolve your claim.

This template is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Consider speaking with an attorney about your specific situation.

When to Send an Intent to Sue Letter

  • Demand letter was ignored or rejected
  • You are ready to file a lawsuit
  • Required before suing government entities
  • Contract breach with significant damages
  • Personal injury or property damage claims
  • Last attempt before going to court

Intent to Sue Letter Template

NOTICE OF INTENT TO FILE LAWSUIT

SENT VIA CERTIFIED MAIL - RETURN RECEIPT REQUESTED

[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

[Date]

[Recipient Name]
[Title/Position, if applicable]
[Company/Organization Name]
[Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Re: Notice of Intent to Sue
    Claim Amount: $[AMOUNT]
    Incident Date: [DATE]

NOTICE:

This letter serves as formal notice that I intend to file a lawsuit against you in [NAME OF COURT - e.g., Small Claims Court, Superior Court, etc.] within [NUMBER] days if this matter is not resolved.

STATEMENT OF CLAIM:

1. Background:
   On or about [DATE], [describe what happened - the incident, transaction, or agreement].

2. Your Conduct:
   You have [describe the wrongful conduct, breach, or failure]:
   ☐ Breached a contract dated [DATE]
   ☐ Failed to pay amounts due
   ☐ Caused damage to my property
   ☐ Acted negligently resulting in harm
   ☐ Violated [specific law or regulation]
   ☐ Other: [Specify]

3. Damages Incurred:
   As a direct result of your actions/inaction, I have suffered the following damages:

   - [Describe specific damages - e.g., actual monetary loss]: $[AMOUNT]
   - [Additional damages - e.g., repair costs, medical bills]: $[AMOUNT]
   - [Consequential damages - e.g., lost wages, lost business]: $[AMOUNT]
   - Interest (if applicable): $[AMOUNT]
   - Attorney's fees incurred to date: $[AMOUNT]

   TOTAL DAMAGES: $[TOTAL AMOUNT]

PREVIOUS ATTEMPTS TO RESOLVE:

I have previously attempted to resolve this matter as follows:
☐ Sent demand letter dated [DATE]
☐ Made phone calls on [DATES]
☐ Sent emails on [DATES]
☐ [Other attempts at resolution]

Despite these efforts, you have failed to [pay/respond/take corrective action/etc.].

LEGAL BASIS FOR CLAIM:

My claims are based on the following legal theories:
☐ Breach of Contract
☐ Negligence
☐ Fraud/Misrepresentation
☐ Property Damage
☐ Personal Injury
☐ Violation of [Specific Statute]
☐ Other: [Specify]

DEMAND FOR RESOLUTION:

To avoid litigation, I demand that you:

1. Pay the total amount of $[AMOUNT] within [NUMBER] days
2. [Any other specific actions required]
3. [Additional demands if applicable]

Payment should be made via [certified check/cashier's check/wire transfer] payable to [Your Name] and sent to the address above.

CONSEQUENCES OF FAILURE TO RESPOND:

If you fail to satisfy this demand or contact me to negotiate a resolution within [NUMBER] days of your receipt of this letter, I will:

1. File a lawsuit in [Court Name and Location]
2. Seek recovery of all damages, plus interest
3. Seek recovery of attorney's fees and court costs
4. Seek any other relief the court deems appropriate
5. [Other applicable consequences]

EVIDENCE:

I am prepared to present the following evidence in court:
☐ Signed contracts and agreements
☐ Invoices, receipts, and financial records
☐ Photographs and video evidence
☐ Written correspondence
☐ Witness testimony
☐ Expert opinions (if applicable)
☐ Other documentation

RESERVATION OF RIGHTS:

This notice is not a complete statement of the facts or my legal claims. All rights and remedies are expressly reserved, including the right to seek additional damages discovered during litigation.

I strongly encourage you to take this matter seriously and respond promptly. Resolution at this stage will save both parties the time, expense, and uncertainty of litigation.

Sincerely,

[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
[Date]

---

SENDER'S RECORD:
Certified Mail Number: ________________
Date Mailed: ________________
Response Deadline: ________________
Date Response Received: ________________

---

IMPORTANT NOTES:

• This letter creates an official record of your intent to sue
• Send via Certified Mail, Return Receipt Requested
• Keep copies of all correspondence and documentation
• Consider consulting an attorney before filing suit
• Court filing deadlines (statutes of limitations) vary by claim type

Need to send certified mail? The Letter Pilot handles printing, postage, and tracking for you.

How to Write an Intent to Sue Letter (Step‑by‑Step)

  1. Document your claim thoroughly. Gather all evidence, calculate total damages, and identify your legal basis.
  2. State the facts clearly. Describe what happened, when, and what the other party did wrong.
  3. Calculate and itemize damages. Include all losses: actual, consequential, and any applicable interest.
  4. Set a firm deadline. Give 10-30 days to respond or resolve the matter.
  5. Send via Certified Mail. This creates proof that they received your notice.

Pro Tip: An intent to sue letter often prompts settlement. Many defendants take legal threats seriously when they see you are organized and prepared.

Intent to Sue Letter FAQ

What is a notice of intent to sue?

A notice of intent to sue (also called a pre-litigation letter) formally notifies someone that you plan to file a lawsuit if they do not resolve your dispute. It gives them one final opportunity to settle before you go to court.

Is a notice of intent to sue required?

In some cases, yes. Certain types of claims (such as claims against government entities) require a notice before filing. Even when not required, it often leads to settlement and shows the court you tried to resolve the matter.

How long should I wait before filing suit?

Typically 10-30 days is reasonable. The letter should specify your deadline. If they do not respond or resolve the matter by then, you can proceed with filing.

What happens after I send this letter?

The recipient may: (1) pay or settle, (2) contact you to negotiate, (3) dispute your claims, or (4) ignore the letter. If ignored or unresolved, you can file your lawsuit.

Can I still sue if they respond but we cannot agree?

Yes. The purpose of the letter is to attempt resolution. If negotiations fail, you can still file your lawsuit. Document all communication attempts.

Do I need a lawyer to send this letter?

No, you can send this letter yourself. However, for complex cases or large claims, consulting an attorney is advisable. This template is for informational purposes only.

Legal Advice Disclaimer: This template is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult an attorney for specific legal matters.

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