Prompt details

Tested on

Claude Opus 5.5

Length

632 words · 4 fill-ins

Example input

[What happened]: On Day 1 I signed a written estimate with Cedar Line Fencing for a 140-foot cedar privacy fence around my back yard, $11,200 total. The estimate asked for a 40% deposit at signing and said work would start "within 3 to 4 weeks, weather permitting". I paid a $4,500 deposit by check the same day (40% was $4,480; the owner texted that $4,500 was fine). In week 4 the owner texted that the cedar supplier was behind and it would be "2 more weeks". In week 7 he texted that the crew would be out "Monday to set posts". Nobody came that Monday or that week. In week 9 I called three times over four days; no answer and no call back. In week 11 I texted asking for a firm start date or my deposit back. He replied "I'll get you sorted next week". Nothing happened. In week 13 I texted again asking for the deposit back by the end of that week. No reply. It is now week 15. No materials were delivered and no work was done. I got a quote from another company for the same fence: $12,100.

[Your records]: - Signed estimate (Day 1): 140 ft cedar privacy fence, $11,200 total, 40% deposit at signing, "start within 3 to 4 weeks, weather permitting". No completion date and no cancellation terms. - Check #2214 for $4,500 to Cedar Line Fencing, cashed on Day 3 (shown on my bank statement). - Texts: Day 1 his "4500 is fine, thanks!"; week 4 "supplier is behind on cedar, 2 more weeks"; week 7 "We'll be out Monday to set posts"; week 11 my text asking for a start date or a refund and his reply "I'll get you sorted next week"; week 13 my text asking for the deposit back, no reply. - My phone's call log from week 9 (three calls, unanswered). - The other company's written quote for the same fence: $12,100. - His business card and the estimate list a business address.

[Where you and they are]: I live in Wisconsin, USA. The contractor is also in Wisconsin, about 20 minutes away. As far as I know he is a sole owner trading as Cedar Line Fencing.

[What you will accept]: I want my $4,500 back. I would accept it in two payments within 30 days. I won't take less than the full deposit. I'm prepared to file in small claims court if I'm not paid, and to file a complaint with the state consumer protection office.

Example output

1. The claim in brief

Cedar Line Fencing took a $4,500 deposit for a fence it agreed to start within 3 to 4 weeks. Fifteen weeks later it has delivered no materials and done no work. It has also not answered my requests to refund the deposit. I am owed the full $4,500.

*Assumptions:* nothing you did (for example, access, permits or your own scheduling) caused the delay, and the fence was for your own home.

Item	Amount	Record
Deposit paid on signing	$4,500.00	Check #2214, cashed Day 3 (bank statement); his Day 1 text "4500 is fine, thanks!"
Less: materials delivered or work done	$0.00	Week 7 and 11 texts show work had not started; your own account that nothing was delivered or built
Total demanded in letter	$4,500.00
Optional, not in letter: extra cost of replacement fence	$900.00	Other company's quote ($12,100 − $11,200). This is a quote, not money you have spent. Claim it only if you actually hire the second company, and only in court. Confirm whether you can recover it.
Optional, not in letter: court costs and interest	look up	The estimate says nothing about interest or fees. Ask the clerk whether filing and service fees and statutory interest are awarded to a winning party.
Optional, not in letter: Wisconsin home improvement rule	look up	General knowledge only. Wis. Admin. Code ch. ATCP 110 (Home Improvement Practices) covers home improvement contracts and deposits. Wis. Stat. § 100.20(5) may allow double damages, costs and attorney fees for violations. Confirm with a lawyer before relying on either.

Where your records are thin:

The estimate has no completion date, no cancellation terms, and the words "weather permitting." He may argue the delay was excused. In your favour, his own texts blame the supplier, not the weather, and 15 weeks is far beyond 3 to 4.
The call log shows that you called. It does not show what you would have said.
The $900 is only an estimate until you pay it.

2. Demand letter

> [Your full name]

> [Your street address, city, WI ZIP]

> [Date]

> Sent by certified mail, return receipt requested

> [Owner's full legal name]

Claude Opus 5.5

Demand Letter – Demand letter prompt for ChatGPT and Claude

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Claude Opus 5.5

This prompt writes a demand letter for money you are owed. Paste what happened, your records, your location and what you will accept; you get the amount worked out, the letter, an evidence list and a plan for each reply.

What you get

The amount owed, line by line, each tied to a record
A demand letter with one clear deadline, ready to send
An evidence list and the small claims steps to look up where you live
What to write back if they ignore you, offer less or dispute it

How to use it

1
Gather the paper trail
Collect the agreement, receipts, bank records and messages with their dates. The letter is only as strong as the records behind it.
2
Send it with proof
Fill the placeholders, send it by a method that proves delivery, and keep a copy with the date you sent it.
3
Look up the local rules
Before the deadline passes, check your court's website for each small claims limit, fee and time limit marked look up.

Better results

Paste the key messages word for word, with dates. The letter quotes their own promises back to them.
If they reply, paste their reply and ask: "Write my answer using the reply plan, and tell me if anything in it changes my claim."

Questions

Can ChatGPT write a demand letter?

Yes, ChatGPT can write a clear demand letter when you give it the facts, the amount, your records and your location. It cannot know your local court rules for certain, so check limits, fees and deadlines on your court's website, and take a large or complex claim to a lawyer.

Does a demand letter have to come from a lawyer?

No, you can send a demand letter yourself. A lawyer's letter can carry more weight and is worth it for large claims or when the other side has a lawyer, but a clear, factual letter from you is often enough to get paid or to show a court you tried.

What should a demand letter include?

A demand letter should state what you are owed and why, the facts in date order, the exact amount and how it was worked out, how to pay, a clear deadline, and the step you will take if you are not paid, such as filing in small claims court.

Can a demand letter threaten criminal charges?

No, do not threaten criminal charges or a police report to get paid. In many places that is unlawful in a civil dispute, and it can weaken your claim. Name only the steps you will really take, such as filing in small claims court.

Updated 8 Nov 2026