Below is a comprehensive discussion of drafting a demand letter for financial support in the Philippine context. Note that this information is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. For a specific case or situation, it is always prudent to consult a qualified Philippine lawyer.

I. Overview of the Legal Basis for Financial Support

1. Definition of “Support” Under Philippine Law

Under Philippine law (particularly the Family Code of the Philippines, Executive Order No. 209, as amended), “support” refers to everything indispensable for sustenance, dwelling, clothing, medical or educational expenses, and in general, any other need essential for survival. The law typically contemplates two main categories:

Child Support – Obligation of parents to support their children.
Spousal Support – Obligation of a spouse to support the other, particularly in situations involving marriage or separation.

2. Persons Obliged to Provide Support

Articles 194 to 195 of the Family Code enumerate who are obliged to support one another. In essence:

Spouses are obliged to support each other.
Legitimate ascendants and descendants (e.g., parents and children, grandparents and grandchildren) are obliged to support each other.
Parents and their legitimate or illegitimate children are obliged to support each other.

3. Amount and Extent of Support

The amount of support is proportionate to the resources of the person obliged to give support and the necessities of the beneficiary.
Support may be in the form of money or property (e.g., direct payment for tuition, direct purchase of essentials, monthly cash allotment, etc.).

II. Importance of a Demand Letter

A demand letter is typically the first formal step taken by a would-be plaintiff (or claimant) to attempt to settle an obligation—such as financial support—without immediately resorting to a lawsuit. In the Philippine setting:

Evidence of Good Faith
A demand letter can show that you attempted to amicably settle the matter before taking legal measures.
Setting Out Clear Expectations
It sets forth the factual and legal basis for your claim, the exact amount requested, and the timeframe by which the support should be paid.
Potential for Amicable Settlement
It opens a channel for negotiation, which may avert lengthy and costly litigation.

III. Key Elements When Drafting a Demand Letter

A well-structured demand letter for financial support should address the following elements:

Letterhead and Date
- If using a lawyer, typically the lawyer’s office letterhead is used.
- Write the date of issuance to clearly mark the timeline for compliance or response.
Addressee’s Name and Address
- Ensure correct personal details or the correct name if addressing an individual (e.g., child’s father or mother, or the person legally obliged to pay).
Salutation
- Use a courteous and respectful greeting (e.g., “Dear Mr. / Ms. ___”).
Introduction and Statement of Purpose
- State your relationship with the addressee (e.g., “I am writing on behalf of our minor child, ___.”).
- Clearly indicate that the purpose of the letter is to formally demand financial support.
Factual Background
- Provide a concise background:
  - Nature of the relationship (e.g., marital status, paternity, filiation).
  - The current situation (e.g., child’s birth date, enrollment, monthly expenses, medical needs).
  - Mention if there have been previous attempts at collecting support or any earlier arrangements that have lapsed.
Legal Basis for the Claim
- Cite the relevant articles in the Family Code of the Philippines that impose an obligation of support.
- Emphasize that both parents (in the case of child support) or spouses have this legal duty.
Demand for Specific Amount or Arrangement
- State the exact monthly or lump-sum amount you are seeking.
- Provide a breakdown of how you arrived at that figure (e.g., tuition, daily allowance, medical fees, etc.).
- Alternatively, if non-monetary forms of support are being requested (e.g., direct payment of school tuition, direct coverage of medical expenses), specify these.
Deadline for Compliance
- Provide a clear and reasonable timeframe (e.g., 7, 10, or 15 days from receipt of the letter) for the addressee to remit the support or to respond to the letter.
- State how payment or communication should be made (e.g., “Kindly deposit the amount to the following bank account …,” or “Please contact me at this number to arrange a meeting.”).
Statement of Legal Consequences
- Politely indicate that failure to comply or respond within the given timeframe may result in legal action, such as filing a case for support in court.
- Mention that additional claims (e.g., for damages, attorneys’ fees, or support arrears) may be included if litigation proceeds.
Closing and Signature

End with a polite closing.
Sign the letter. If represented by a lawyer, the lawyer’s signature should appear along with the law office details.

Proof of Service or Delivery

Keep a copy of the letter.
Send it via registered mail or a reputable courier for proof of delivery. If personally served, request the receiving party to sign an acknowledgment or at least have a witness present.

IV. Practical Tips and Considerations

Clarity and Brevity
- Keep the letter concise but complete. Avoid long-winded narratives. Focus on the legal obligation and the specific demand.
Accuracy of Facts
- Double-check all factual statements. If any relevant documents exist (e.g., birth certificates, receipts of expenses), consider attaching copies (not originals) to support your claim.
Professional Tone
- Keep the language formal and courteous, despite any emotional tensions. Hostile or insulting language can jeopardize negotiations and may be used against you later.
Legal Representation
- While it is possible to draft and send a demand letter personally, having a lawyer prepare or at least review it can add authority and ensure compliance with legal requirements.
Avoid Admissions that Could Be Used Against You
- Refrain from making unnecessary statements that could weaken your position if the matter escalates to court.
Negotiate in Good Faith
- A demand letter can also serve as the gateway to a compromise agreement or settlement. Always be open to a reasonable arrangement, keeping in mind the best interests of the child (if child support is involved) or the fair demands of the spouse.

V. Potential Outcomes After Sending a Demand Letter

Compliance or Partial Compliance
- The other party may comply fully or negotiate a payment plan. Always formalize any new agreement in writing.
Ignored Demand Letter
- If the party ignores or fails to respond, you may initiate court action. For child support or spousal support claims, this typically involves filing a petition for support in the family court that has jurisdiction over the place where the child or either spouse resides.
Dispute or Counteroffer
- The other party might contest the amount or the legal basis. They may propose a lower amount or a different arrangement for support. Evaluate the proposal carefully and consider whether a compromise is feasible.
Escalation to Judicial Proceedings
- If negotiations fail, you may have to file a formal case to enforce support obligations. The court can issue orders requiring payment of support pendente lite (i.e., support while the case is ongoing), and eventually, a final ruling on the amount of support.

VI. Legal Remedies If a Demand Letter is Ignored

If the addressee does not comply within the stipulated period, you have recourse to the courts. Common legal steps:

Filing a Petition for Support
- In such a petition, you detail the obligation of the respondent (the person from whom you demand support) and present evidence of filiation, the child’s needs or the spouse’s needs, and the respondent’s capacity to pay.
Provisional Support (Support Pendente Lite)
- During the court proceedings, you can request provisional support pending final resolution. This prevents the other party from indefinitely delaying payments.
Enforcement Mechanisms
- If the court grants support, the respondent’s refusal to pay can lead to contempt of court or other enforcement measures such as garnishing wages or attaching properties, depending on the court’s order and existing rules of procedure.

VII. Sample Demand Letter Structure (Simplified)

Date
Name of Addressee
Address

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mrs. Name]:

I am writing on behalf of our minor child, [Child’s Name], born on [Date of Birth]. Under Articles 195 and 196 of the Family Code of the Philippines, parents are legally obliged to provide support to their children.

Since [mention relevant details: e.g., “our separation,” “the child’s birth,” “your last payment”], you have provided [state any previous support]. However, the child’s current needs (tuition, daily living expenses, medical care, etc.) are not being met.

In accordance with the law, I am formally demanding that you provide monthly support in the amount of ₱[X,XXX], computed as follows:

Tuition and related school expenses: ₱[X,XXX]

Basic living expenses (food, clothing, utilities): ₱[X,XXX]

Medical/health expenses: ₱[X,XXX]

Miscellaneous (transportation, school supplies): ₱[X,XXX]

Kindly remit this amount on or before [deadline: e.g., 10 days from receipt] and continue paying on a monthly basis thereafter. Payment may be deposited to my bank account: [Bank details].

Should you fail to respond or comply, I will be constrained to pursue legal remedies, including filing a petition for support in court.

I hope we can resolve this matter amicably for the benefit of our child. You may contact me at [contact information] or through my legal counsel [if applicable].

Sincerely,
[Signature over Printed Name]

VIII. Conclusion

Drafting a demand letter for financial support in the Philippines is a critical preliminary step to compel compliance with one’s support obligations—be it child support or spousal support. A strong, clear letter grounded in the provisions of the Family Code may foster an amicable resolution and protect the interests of the entitled party (often a child or dependent spouse). If negotiations fail, the demand letter serves as valuable evidence of your attempt to settle the matter in good faith before resorting to the courts.

When in doubt about the specifics of your case—especially regarding the amount of support, legal strategy, and enforcement—it is always advisable to seek the guidance of an experienced Philippine lawyer.