09/09/2026
You receive a letter of demand. Now what?
DON’T PANIC. AND DON’T REPLY. YET.
One of the first things people do when they receive a legal letter is immediately fire back a response. That can be a mistake.
Before you respond, you need to understand:
1. What are they actually claiming?
Not what you think they're claiming - what are they legally alleging?
2. What evidence do they have?
And, equally importantly, what evidence do you have?
3. What are they asking you to do?
Pay money? Sign something? Stop doing something? Admit liability?
4. What happens if you ignore it?
Sometimes the consequences of doing nothing are far more serious than people realise.
5. What is the smartest response?
And this is the part people often miss.
The answer isn't always: “Fight them.”
Sometimes it's negotiate.
Sometimes it's settle.
Sometimes it's challenge the claim.
Sometimes it's do absolutely nothing.
The right strategy depends on the facts. At MG Attorneys, we don't believe that every legal problem should automatically become a legal battle.
The law tells you what you can do. Strategy helps determine what you should do.
If you've received a letter of demand and aren't sure what to do next, get advice before you respond.
MG Attorneys Incorporated | Law Meets Strategy
www.mglaw.co.za
A Result Driven Law Firm With Offices In Sandton and Seapoint. Our Attorneys Use Strategy & Negotiation To Achieve Results For Our Clients.