Drafting and Sending Cease and Desist Letters: Who’s Responsible?

Are you dealing with a dispute and considering using a cease and desist letter to resolve it? This can be a great method as it can save you time, money, and the stress that comes with filing a lawsuit.

But with that in mind, you might be wondering: Should I draft the letter myself? If not, who can do it for me? How will I ensure the letter gets to the recipient? And how can I confirm they’ve actually read it?

Read on to find answers to these questions and more.

Who’s Best Suited to Draft Your Cease and Desist Letter?

When drafting a cease and desist letter, you have several options. The most recommended approach is to work with an experienced attorney. Why? Because when a lawyer drafts such a letter, it often holds more weight, signaling to the recipient that you’re prepared to take legal action if necessary.

Additionally, an attorney ensures your letter adheres to legal standards. They’ll reference all the relevant laws and statutes, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguous language that could lead to complications.

If hiring an attorney isn’t feasible, perhaps due to budget constraints, you might consider drafting the letter yourself. However, to minimize errors, it’s crucial to do thorough research. If possible, have an attorney review your draft before sending. While legal templates or services can be helpful, they often come with a drawback: they’re generic and might not capture the specifics of your unique situation.

Ensuring Your Cease and Desist Letter Lands in the Right Hands

Choosing the right method to deliver your cease and desist letter is vital. It’s essential to pick a delivery method that confirms the recipient has indeed received the letter. One of the most reliable methods is certified mail with a receipt.

Additionally, you can consider courier services like FedEx and UPS. They offer tracking options, ensuring you’re notified once the letter is delivered. If the matter is local, hand delivery might be suitable. However, if you choose this method, using a professional courier or having a witness to vouch for the delivery is a wise move. Should things escalate, your witness can corroborate that the letter was both sent and received.

The Risks of Bungling the Delivery

If, for some reason, your letter doesn’t reach its intended recipient, there could be significant consequences. Firstly, without delivery, you’ll lack proof that the recipient ever saw the letter. This lack of evidence can become a challenge if the situation escalates to a legal dispute.

Moreover, not receiving a response might lead you to assume the letter was simply ignored. This assumption could prompt you to take more drastic and expensive measures, like filing a lawsuit. However, the entire situation might have been resolved effortlessly had the letter been correctly delivered in the first place.

Conclusion

When sending a cease and desist letter, meticulous attention to detail is paramount. Opt for a reliable delivery method, such as certified mail with a return receipt, and always retain evidence of that delivery. This proof could be invaluable if you need to demonstrate the recipient’s acknowledgment in the event of a legal dispute.

Lastly, while crafting the letter yourself may seem tempting, always prioritize consulting a reputable attorney. If you choose to draft it personally, at the very least, ensure an attorney reviews it before dispatch.

If you're facing any of the issues mentioned above, don't hesitate to contact us at info@wilkinsonlawllc.com or call (732) 410-7595 for assistance.