Debt Recovery
An unpaid invoice can take up time you need for the rest of your business. We help you assess the debt, the available evidence and the practical options for recovering payment. Send us a short outline of what is owed and what you have already done to pursue it.
- The evidence reviewed
- A proportionate approach
- Clear communication
- Recovery kept in view.
Start with the debt and the documents
Before advising on recovery, we need to understand why the money is owed. An invoice is useful, but the underlying agreement and evidence of the work or goods supplied can be just as important. We also ask whether the other party disputes the debt or has raised a complaint.
Our aim is to help you make an informed decision about the next step. That may involve requesting payment, responding to a dispute, discussing terms of repayment or considering a court claim. The amount at stake, the evidence and the likelihood of recovering money all matter.
What we need to see
- The name and address of the person or business that owes the money
- The contract, order or agreed terms
- The invoices and a statement showing payments received
- Evidence that the goods or services were supplied
- Messages about payment, complaints or any disputed amount
Check which legal person or business entered the agreement. A trading name alone may not identify the correct party. If you are unsure, tell us. Establishing who is responsible is an important part of assessing a claim.
Asking for payment
A clear written demand can set out the amount claimed, why it is due and what response is required. The steps before a court claim depend on the parties and the type of debt. A business claiming against an individual, including a sole trader, may need to follow a different procedure from an ordinary claim between companies.
We explain the relevant process and the information that should be provided. If the debtor offers instalments or raises a genuine dispute, we can discuss the response and whether a written agreement would help. Escalation is a decision to assess, rather than an automatic next move.
If a court claim is needed
If payment is not made and further action is appropriate, we can discuss the work involved in bringing a claim. Court fees, legal costs and the possibility of a defence need to be considered before proceedings begin. We explain the scope of any proposed instruction and the factors that may change it.
A court judgment does not guarantee payment. If the debtor still does not pay, a separate enforcement step may be needed. The options and their usefulness depend on the debtor's circumstances. It can be sensible to consider that practical question before spending more on a claim.
Discuss the cost before proceeding
Tell us the amount owed, how old the debt is and whether it is disputed. We can explain the work required to review it and the basis of our fees. Our Debt Recovery Fees page sets out the pricing information for the services covered there.
If the debt is connected with a wider contractual dispute, the matter may need more detailed advice. We will explain that distinction and discuss the appropriate service rather than treating every unpaid invoice in the same way.
Your questions answered
Can you guarantee that the money will be recovered?
No. The result depends on the evidence, any defence and the debtor's ability to pay. Even a successful court claim can require further work to enforce. We help you assess the position and costs so you can decide whether the next step is worthwhile.
Can I claim interest or my legal costs?
That depends on the agreement, the type of debt and the rules that apply to the claim. You should not assume that every cost can be recovered from the other party. We can review the terms and explain which amounts may properly form part of your demand or claim.
What happens if the other party disputes the invoice?
We need to understand the reason and review the supporting documents. A complaint about the work, an alleged payment or a disagreement about the agreed price may affect the approach. Send us the correspondence so we can assess the dispute rather than relying on the invoice alone.
Is there a deadline for bringing a claim?
Time limits can apply and depend on the circumstances. Do not assume that continuing to send reminders preserves your right to sue. Tell us when the debt arose and about any acknowledgements or payments so we can consider the relevant dates when assessing the matter.
Client feedback
What our clients say
Read about the experiences of people who have worked with our team.
Debra
Blackburn
Michael
Preston
Blackburn & Blackpool
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