Document background
The Intent to Sue Letter (Abmahnung) is a critical legal instrument in German civil procedure, serving as a mandatory pre-litigation step in many cases. This document is typically used when previous attempts to resolve a dispute have failed and the claimant is prepared to initiate court proceedings. It must be drafted with precise attention to German legal requirements, including specific content mandated by the German Civil Code (BGB) and procedural rules. The letter should clearly state the legal basis for the claim, detail any monetary demands, provide evidence references, and set specific deadlines for compliance. It serves multiple purposes: formally documenting the final demand, interrupting limitation periods, and potentially avoiding costly court proceedings through last-minute resolution. The document is particularly important as it can affect the distribution of legal costs in subsequent court proceedings and demonstrates the claimant's attempt to resolve the dispute before litigation.
