Receiving a letter of demand can feel intimidating, especially when you believe you don’t owe the money. The sender might cite legislation, threaten tribunal action, or demand payment within seven days. If the claim is wrong, you have every right to defend yourself.
The key is responding correctly. Ignoring the letter can lead to tribunal proceedings where you’re forced to defend under time pressure. Responding poorly can accidentally admit facts that weaken your case. This guide shows you how to defend against a letter of demand in Australia without handing the other side ammunition.
Why You Should Respond Even If You Disagree
Ignoring a letter of demand you consider baseless won’t make it disappear. It gives the sender a clear path to file in a tribunal or court.
A proper response achieves three things:
- Signals you will defend — Many claimants drop weak cases once they realise you’re not an easy target
- Creates a written record — Your response becomes evidence if the matter proceeds
- Preserves your position — You dispute the claim without admitting anything that could be used against you later
Australian tribunals typically expect parties to attempt resolution before filing. A well-drafted response shows you’ve engaged in good faith, which reflects well on you if the matter escalates.
What Not to Say in Your Response
Never admit facts you’re not certain about. If the letter says “you agreed to pay $5,000 on 15 March” and you didn’t, don’t write “I may have agreed but I don’t remember.” That’s an admission. Write “I dispute that any such agreement was made.”
Never apologise for something you didn’t do. “I’m sorry this has caused problems” can be twisted into an admission of fault. If you’re not at fault, don’t apologise.
Never offer partial payment to make it go away. Offering $2,000 to settle a $5,000 claim you don’t owe implies you accept some liability. If you owe nothing, say so clearly.
Never ignore specific allegations. If the letter lists three reasons you supposedly owe money, address all three. Silence on one point can be interpreted as acceptance.
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The Structure of a Strong Legal Response
A proper response to a letter of demand follows a clear structure. It doesn’t need to be long, but it must be precise.
Opening paragraph
Identify the letter you’re responding to by date and reference number. State clearly that you dispute the claim. Example:
“I refer to your letter of demand dated 12 April 2024 (ref: LD-2024-089). I dispute the claim in its entirety and do not accept that any amount is owed.”
Address each allegation
Go through the letter point by point. For each claim, state whether you accept it, dispute it, or have no knowledge of it.
If they say you signed a contract on a specific date, and you didn’t, write: “I dispute that I signed any contract on 15 January 2024. No such contract exists.”
If they claim you received goods, and you didn’t, write: “I dispute that I received the goods described. No delivery occurred to my address.”
If they reference an invoice you’ve never seen, write: “I have no knowledge of invoice #4521. I did not receive it and do not accept that it is valid.”
State your version of events
After disputing their claims, provide your own brief account. Keep it factual. Avoid emotional language or unnecessary detail.
“The facts are as follows: I contacted the supplier on 3 February 2024 to request a quote. No agreement was reached. I did not place an order, sign any document, or receive any goods. The first communication I received from the supplier was your letter of demand.”
Cite relevant law if applicable
If the letter of demand relies on a specific legal basis that doesn’t apply, say so. For example:
- If they claim breach of contract but no contract existed, state: “No contract was formed. There was no offer, acceptance, or consideration.”
- If they claim you owe under consumer protection legislation but you never purchased anything, state: “No consumer transaction occurred.”
- If they claim a debt under a statute that doesn’t cover your situation, identify the error.
You don’t need to write a legal thesis. A single clear sentence is enough.
Demand they cease
If the claim is baseless, you’re entitled to demand they stop pursuing it. Write:
“I require you to withdraw this claim immediately and cease all further contact regarding this matter. If you proceed to tribunal or court, I will defend the claim and seek costs.”
Close firmly
End with a clear statement that you will not be making any payment and that you consider the matter closed unless they provide evidence supporting their claim.
“I will not be making any payment. If you believe you have a valid claim, you must provide documentary evidence. Failing that, I consider this matter closed.”
Common Scenarios and How to Respond
They claim you agreed to something verbally
If there’s no written contract and they’re relying on a conversation, dispute it clearly:
“I dispute that any verbal agreement was made. No terms were discussed or agreed upon. Even if a conversation occurred, no binding contract was formed.”
The burden of proof is on the claimant. Make them prove it.
They claim you received goods or services you didn’t
“I dispute that I received the goods/services described. No delivery occurred. I did not sign for anything, and I have no record of receipt.”
If they claim they sent something, ask for proof of delivery. Without a signature or tracking showing delivery to your address, they have no case.
They claim you owe money under a contract you never signed
“I dispute that I signed any contract with [company name]. I have not seen the contract referenced in your letter. No agreement exists between us.”
If they attach a contract with a signature that isn’t yours, state that explicitly: “The signature on the attached document is not mine. I did not sign this contract.”
They’re claiming a debt that’s not yours
This happens more often than you’d think — wrong person, mistaken identity, or a debt that belonged to someone else.
“I am not the person who incurred this debt. I have no relationship with [creditor name] and have never entered into any agreement with them. You have contacted the wrong person.”
They’re claiming a debt that’s already been paid
“The amount claimed was paid in full on [date] by [method]. I attach a copy of the receipt/bank statement showing payment. No amount is outstanding.”
Always attach proof if you have it.
What Happens After You Send Your Response
Once you send your response, the sender has three options:
- Drop the claim — If your response is strong and they know their case is weak, they may walk away
- Provide evidence — They may send documents they believe support their claim. Review them carefully and respond if necessary
- File in tribunal or court — If they proceed, you’ll receive a formal application or statement of claim
If they file, your response becomes part of your defence. Everything you wrote will be used as evidence, which is why it’s critical to get it right the first time.
How Claim Done Helps You Defend Against a Letter of Demand
If you’ve received a letter of demand you don’t owe, Claim Done’s Legal Response service generates a professionally formatted response that disputes the claim without admitting anything.
You complete a short intake form about the letter and why you dispute it. Our Programmatic Algorithms read the letter of demand, analyse your version of events, and draft a response that:
- Addresses each allegation specifically
- States your position clearly and firmly
- Avoids any language that could be twisted into an admission
- Demands the sender cease pursuing the claim
The response is generated in about 5 minutes and delivered as a PDF you can review and send. Flat fee. No subscription. Australia-wide.
If the matter proceeds to tribunal, Claim Done can also prepare your tribunal defence pack: a response summary, a defence position statement, a chronology and an evidence list.
Final Checklist Before You Send Your Response
Before you send your response, check:
- [ ] You’ve identified the letter by date and reference number
- [ ] You’ve stated clearly that you dispute the claim
- [ ] You’ve addressed every allegation in the letter
- [ ] You’ve provided your version of events briefly and factually
- [ ] You haven’t admitted anything you’re not certain about
- [ ] You haven’t apologised or offered partial payment
- [ ] You’ve demanded they cease pursuing the claim
- [ ] You’ve kept a copy for your records
- [ ] You’re sending it by a method that provides proof (email with read receipt, registered post, or both)
A strong response protects your position and often ends the matter before it reaches tribunal. Don’t let a baseless letter of demand push you into paying money you don’t owe. Generate your legal response in about 5 minutes with Claim Done.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I ignore a letter of demand I don't owe?
Ignoring it doesn’t make it go away. The sender can file in a tribunal or court, and you’ll be forced to defend under time pressure. Responding properly shows you dispute the claim and puts your position on record.
Can I be sued if I respond saying I don't owe the money?
Yes, the sender can still file in tribunal or court. But your response becomes part of your defence and shows you engaged in good faith. It also signals you will defend, which often discourages weak claims from proceeding.
Do I need a lawyer to respond to a letter of demand?
Not always. For straightforward disputes where you clearly don’t owe the money, a properly drafted response is enough.
Should I offer to settle for a lower amount to make it go away?
No. Offering any payment implies you accept some liability. If you genuinely don’t owe the money, your response should dispute the claim entirely and demand they cease.
How long do I have to respond to a letter of demand?
Most letters give 7-14 days, but there’s no strict legal deadline unless they file in tribunal. Respond as soon as you can — ideally within the timeframe they specify — to show you’re taking it seriously.
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