Information only — this matter needs a solicitor. OnlineLegalServices.ie is operated by Plus Promotions Limited, which is not a solicitor’s practice and does not give legal advice or take on cases. This page is a general guide.
To instruct a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory. For self-complete documents, see our legal templates.
If you are owed money or need to formally put another party on notice of a legal claim, a solicitor’s letter of demand is one of the most effective first steps you can take. Our Letter of Demand service provides a professionally drafted, solicitor-issued demand letter for individuals and businesses across Ireland — at a set price.
What Is a Letter of Demand?
A letter of demand (also called a letter before action or a solicitor’s demand letter) is a formal written notice from a solicitor to another party, setting out a legal claim, the amount owed or the action required, and a deadline for compliance — after which legal proceedings will be initiated. Because it is issued on solicitor letterhead, it carries significantly more weight than a personal demand and frequently resolves disputes without the need for court action.
When Should You Send a Letter of Demand?
- An invoice or debt remains unpaid despite repeated reminders
- A client, tenant, or business partner owes you money and is ignoring your communications
- Someone has breached a contract and you need to formally notify them before taking legal action
- You want to put a party on notice of a personal injury claim or property dispute
- A landlord or tenant is in breach of their obligations and you need a formal record of the demand
What Does Our Letter of Demand Include?
- A professionally drafted letter on the instructed solicitor firm’s letterhead
- Clear statement of the legal basis for the demand
- The amount claimed or action required
- A specified deadline for compliance (typically 7–14 days)
- Statement that court proceedings, including a claim for costs, will follow if the demand is not met
- Reference to Late Payment of Commercial Debts interest where applicable
What Happens If the Letter Is Ignored?
If the recipient does not comply within the deadline, the next step is typically to issue court proceedings. In Ireland, debt claims under €2,000 can be brought in the Small Claims Court. Larger claims proceed in the District Court (up to €15,000), Circuit Court (up to €75,000), or High Court. A solicitor you instruct can advise on the most appropriate course of action if the letter does not achieve the desired result.
How It Works
- Submit your enquiry — Tell us the details of your claim: who owes what, on what basis, and what you want them to do
- Solicitor review — A qualified Irish solicitor reviews the claim and issues a quote
- Letter drafted and issued — A formal demand letter is prepared and sent to the other party
- Follow-up — If the demand is not met, a solicitor can advise on next steps
Why Choose Online Legal Services for Your Letter of Demand in Ireland?
- Prices: Affordable legal action without hourly billing
- Solicitor letterhead: Dramatically more effective than a self-sent demand
- Fast: Letters typically drafted and delivered by email
- solicitor from the Law Society of Ireland directory: Any legal work must be carried out by a solicitor of your choice, regulated by the Law Society of Ireland — we do not provide it.
Also see our Debt Collection Letter service and Cease and Desist Letter service. Need legal advice before sending a demand? Read our guide to a 30-minute consultation with a solicitor of your choice today.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.