Debt collection

Pursuing an outstanding debt due from an individual can present its own set of problems. Often the debt may relate to a loan given to a friend or family member and a higher degree of tact and diplomacy is required. We ensure that the monies are recovered in a firm, yet courteous fashion in the hope that ‘normal relations’ can be restored on settlement of the debt. Regardless of the nature of the debt we have the collective experience and ability to guide you through the process and enhance your prospects of a full recovery.

Statistics confirm that if you allow a debt to fester, the greater the likelihood that it will remain unpaid. As a rule of thumb even though you have 6 years in which to commence a claim, the quicker you act, the greater the chance you will have of recovering the debt. Time therefore is of the essence.

Often debts of this nature are not disputed and are capable of resolution without the need for litigation. Alternatively if a court claim were to be issued, a default judgment may quickly be obtained for the recovery of the debt, interest and fixed court costs and fees, should the defendant fail to reply to the claim.

Illustrative Examples of Fixed Fees for the Recovery of a Business to Business Debt That is Undisputed

Court Claims

These costs apply where your claim is in relation to two unpaid invoices which are not disputed and enforcement action is not needed, following our entry of a County Court Judgment and payment secured. If the other party raises a genuine/significant dispute to your claim at any point, we will discuss any further work required and provide you with revised advice about costs if necessary. This may involve continuing under our fixed fees formula, or at an hourly rate if more extensive work is needed.

Anyone wishing to proceed with a claim should note that:

The VAT element of our fee cannot be reclaimed from your debtor.
Interest and compensation may take the debt into a higher banding, with a higher cost.
The costs quoted above are not for matters where enforcement action, such as a bailiff or High Court Enforcement Officer is needed to collect your debt.

Our fee includes:

• Taking your instructions and reviewing documentation
• Undertaking appropriate searches
• Sending a letter before action
• Receiving payment and sending onto you, or if the debt is not paid, drafting and issuing court claim
• Where no Acknowledgment of Service or Defence is received, applying to the court to enter Judgement in default
• When Judgement in default in received, write to the other side to request payment
• Accounting to you if payment is received, or providing you with advice on next steps and likely costs

In a Business to Business debt matters usually take 5-8 weeks from receipt of instructions from you to receipt of payment from the other side, upon the entry of judgment. This range will depend on whether or not it is necessary to issue a claim. This is on the basis that the other side pays promptly on receipt of Judgement in default. If enforcement action is needed, the matter will take longer to resolve depending on the enforcement routes taken, the defendants reaction to them and the inter-action with the court office.