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Cease and Desist Harassment Letter Template – Free Download 2026

Download a professional cease and desist - harassment template. Customizable for all 50 states, available in PDF and DOCX formats. Attorney-verified and ready to use.

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When Do You Need a Cease and Desist - Harassment?

You are experiencing repeated unwanted contact, threats, intimidation, or stalking behavior and need to formally demand that the harasser stop all contact immediately.

You need to create a documented paper trail that demonstrates the harasser was put on notice, which strengthens any future restraining order application or civil lawsuit.

The harassment is occurring through phone calls, text messages, emails, social media, or in-person contact and you want to establish a clear boundary before escalating to legal action.

What Should a Cease and Desist - Harassment Include?

Description of Harassing Conduct

A detailed, chronological account of each incident of harassment including dates, times, locations, witnesses, and the nature of each contact or threat.

Demand to Cease All Contact

An unambiguous demand that the recipient immediately stop all forms of contact, communication, and proximity — directly and through third parties.

Legal Consequences Warning

A statement of the legal consequences if the behavior continues: criminal charges, restraining order, civil lawsuit for damages, or workplace disciplinary action.

Documentation of Delivery

Send via certified mail with return receipt requested to create proof that the harasser received the letter and was put on notice.

Legal Details: Key Clauses in a Cease and Desist - Harassment

Review the standard legal provisions included in a professional cease and desist - harassment. Each section below contains clause language used in attorney-verified templates.

Identification of Harassing Conduct
1.1

TO: [____________] ("Recipient"). FROM: [____________] ("Sender") [or Counsel for Sender]. Date: [____________]. RE: Cease and Desist — Harassment, Stalking, and Unwanted Contact. This letter constitutes formal legal notice that Sender demands that Recipient immediately and permanently cease and desist all harassing, threatening, and unwanted contact as described herein. The following conduct has been engaged in by Recipient and is the basis for this demand: [describe each incident with specificity, including dates, nature of conduct, witnesses, and evidence: ____________].

1.2

The specific harassing conduct includes, without limitation: (a) [telephone calls / text messages / emails] to Sender on [____________] (dates) at [____________] (times), totaling approximately [______] contacts; (b) physical appearances at [Sender's home / workplace / other location: ____________] on [____________]; (c) [social media contact / monitoring / impersonation / other: ____________]; and (d) [threatening or intimidating communications, describe: ____________]. The following individuals witnessed the conduct described above: [____________]. Sender has preserved documentation of all incidents, including [logs, screenshots, recordings, photographs, and other evidence: ____________].

Legal Basis
2.1

Recipient's conduct constitutes actionable harassment and/or stalking under applicable law, including but not limited to: [State stalking statute, e.g., [State] Penal Code § ____________ / [State] harassment statute § ____________ / cyberstalking provisions under 18 U.S.C. § 2261A / the Violence Against Women Act]. The described conduct satisfies the statutory elements of [harassment / stalking / cyberstalking / criminal threatening / other: ____________] in that Recipient has [engaged in a course of conduct / made credible threats / followed or monitored Sender / other: ____________] that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear, distress, or harassment.

2.2

In addition to potential criminal liability, Recipient's conduct gives rise to civil causes of action for which Sender may seek compensatory and punitive damages, including: (a) intentional infliction of emotional distress; (b) invasion of privacy; (c) civil harassment under applicable statute; and (d) any other tort recognized under applicable law. Sender has already consulted with law enforcement and/or legal counsel regarding these matters and has been advised of eligibility to seek a civil harassment restraining order, protective order, or emergency protective order under [applicable state statute, e.g., Code of Civil Procedure § ____________] based on the documented conduct.

Demand to Cease All Contact
3.1

Sender hereby demands that Recipient, effective immediately and permanently: (a) cease and desist all direct or indirect contact with Sender, including but not limited to telephone calls, text messages, emails, social media messages, letters, and in-person contact; (b) cease and desist from appearing at Sender's home, workplace, school, or any other location frequented by Sender; (c) cease and desist from monitoring, surveilling, or tracking Sender by any means, including physical surveillance, GPS tracking, or electronic monitoring; (d) cease and desist from contacting or attempting to contact Sender through third parties, family members, friends, or colleagues; and (e) cease and desist from making posts, publications, or communications about Sender on any platform.

3.2

Recipient must provide written confirmation of compliance with the demands set forth herein within [ten (10)] days of receipt of this letter. Such confirmation shall be delivered to [Sender / Sender's counsel] at [____________]. Sender further demands that Recipient preserve all communications, records, and materials relating to the conduct described herein, as such materials may be required in any subsequent civil or criminal proceeding. Destruction or alteration of evidence after receipt of this notice may constitute obstruction of justice or tampering with evidence under applicable law.

Consequences
4.1

If Recipient fails to comply with the demands set forth in this letter, Sender will pursue all available legal remedies without further notice, including without limitation: (a) filing a police report and pursuing criminal prosecution for stalking, harassment, criminal threatening, or related offenses; (b) applying for an emergency protective order, civil harassment restraining order, or domestic violence restraining order in the appropriate court; (c) filing a civil lawsuit seeking compensatory damages, punitive damages, and injunctive relief; and (d) pursuing any other legal remedy available under federal, state, or local law.

4.2

Sender has already documented all incidents of harassing conduct and has communicated with law enforcement, who have advised Sender of available criminal remedies. A violation of any court-issued restraining or protective order will result in immediate referral to law enforcement for enforcement action. Sender's counsel reserves the right to seek attorneys' fees and costs in any civil proceeding. Nothing in this letter constitutes a waiver of any right or remedy, all of which are expressly reserved.

Signature Requirements

No Signature Required

Cease and desist letters are unilateral demands and do not require signatures.

How to Fill Out a Cease and Desist - Harassment

1

Document Every Incident

Create a detailed log of every harassing contact: date, time, method (phone, text, email, in-person), what was said or done, and any witnesses present.

2

State the Demand Clearly

Use direct language: "I demand that you immediately cease and desist all contact with me" — do not leave room for ambiguity.

3

Reference Applicable Laws

Cite your state's harassment, stalking, or cyberstalking statutes. This shows the harasser that their conduct may be criminal, not just annoying.

4

Send via Certified Mail

Send the letter by certified mail with return receipt requested. Keep copies of the letter, the mailing receipt, and the signed return receipt card.

Free Template vs Custom Cease and Desist - Harassment

FeatureFree TemplateCustom (AI or Attorney)
Basic cease and desist harassment letter
State-specific statute references-
Attorney-reviewed letter on firm letterhead-

Cease and Desist - Harassment Template FAQ

Is a cease and desist letter legally binding?
A cease and desist letter is not a court order and is not legally binding by itself. However, it serves critical legal purposes: it creates a documented record that the harasser was put on notice, which strengthens any future restraining order petition or lawsuit. Courts consider whether the defendant received a cease and desist letter when evaluating whether continued contact was "willful" or "knowing."
What should I do if the harassment continues after sending the letter?
If harassment continues after a cease and desist letter, you should: (1) document every subsequent incident, (2) file a police report for criminal harassment or stalking, (3) petition the court for a restraining order or order of protection, and (4) consult an attorney about filing a civil lawsuit for damages including emotional distress.
Can I send a cease and desist for online harassment?
Yes. Cyberstalking and online harassment are illegal in all 50 states. A cease and desist letter for online harassment should identify the specific platforms, accounts, posts, or messages involved, and reference your state's cyberstalking or electronic harassment statute.

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