How much does a cease and desist letter cost?
Between $29 for a template service and $1,500+ for a firm-drafted letter, with a lot of middle ground.
Typical price ranges
DIY templates: free to $50. Online services like StopAndDesist: $29-$99. Solo attorney: $200-$500. Mid-size firm: $500-$1,500. Big firm / IP specialist: $1,500 and up.
What drives the price
Complexity of the matter, whether the attorney needs to research state law, whether a follow-up demand or filing is likely, and the firm's hourly rate. A straightforward FDCPA letter takes 30 minutes; a nuanced trademark dispute can take days.
When paying more is worth it
If the dispute is already in litigation, involves significant money, or requires deep IP or employment expertise, a specialist attorney pays for themselves. For everyday harassment, debt collection, or neighbor issues, a template letter almost always does the job.
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StopAndDesist provides self-help templates and is not a law firm. This page is information, not legal advice.
Frequently asked questions
Related letters, calculators, and guides
Keep going, here are the most useful pages for people who read this one.
The general-purpose C&D template with statute citations.
Plain-English explanation of the legal terminology.
When a letter is not enough, escalating to court.
Stop unauthorized use of your work and demand takedown.
In-depth guides on takedowns, FDCPA, and self-help enforcement.