If a letter of demand is ignored, the creditor will usually issue a summons and take the claim to court. Ignoring the letter does not make the debt go away. It removes the chance to settle on easier terms before legal costs start to build.
What usually follows
- A summons is issued from the court and served on you by the sheriff
- You have 10 court days to deliver a notice of intention to defend
- If you do not defend, the creditor can apply for default judgment
- After judgment, the creditor can enforce it, for example through a warrant of execution against assets or an emoluments attachment order against salary
A judgment against you is recorded with credit bureaus and can affect your ability to get credit. The legal costs of the court process are often added to what you owe.
If you dispute the claim, reply to the letter in writing, say why, and keep a copy. That letter becomes useful evidence if the matter goes to court.
Need help with this? See Litigation & Dispute Resolution.
This answer is general information about South African law and does not create an attorney and client relationship. Please speak to the firm about your specific matter.