Welcome to our Debt Recovery Services page. We understand that recovering outstanding debts can be a challenging and time-consuming process. Our dedicated team of legal professionals is here to assist you in recovering the money owed to you efficiently and effectively.

Our Services

We offer comprehensive debt recovery services tailored to meet your specific needs.

Where the debt is not disputed:

We charge 15% plus VAT@20% of the total debt recovered on your behalf. This fee is deducted from the monies we recover from the person/business that owes you money.

These costs apply where your claim is in relation to an unpaid invoice which is not disputed and enforcement action is not needed. If the other party disputes your claim at any point, we will discuss any further work required and provide you with revised advice about costs if necessary, which could be on a fixed fee (e.g. if a one off letter is required), or an hourly rate if more extensive work is needed.

Please see the following link for the court fees that are charged if we need to pursue your money through the court:  Civil court fees (EX50) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

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 the bailiff, 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 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
• If payment is not received promptly, providing you with advice on next steps and likely costs

Matters usually take 4-12 weeks from receipt of instructions from you to receipt of payment from the other side, depending 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.

Contact Jon Gilbert for a chat and for further information.

Your initial half-hour consultation is only £60 plus VAT@20%. Find the answers you have been looking for, today!

Where the debt is disputed our services include:

1. Initial Consultation: We review all relevant documentation and advise you on the best course of action for recovering your debt.
2. Letter Before Action: We draft and send a formal letter to the debtor demanding payment and outlining the consequences of non-payment.
3. Court Proceedings: If the debtor fails to respond or pay, we initiate court proceedings on your behalf.
4. Representation in Court: We represent you in court to obtain a judgment against the debtor.
5. Enforcement of Judgment: Once a judgment is obtained, we advise on and implement the most effective enforcement options to recover the debt.
6. Negotiation and Settlement: We negotiate with the debtor to reach a settlement agreement, if appropriate.

Key Stages in a Debt Recovery Case

1. Initial Consultation and Review

Timescale: 1-2 weeks

• We review your case and advise on the best course of action.

2. Letter Before Action

Timescale: 1 week

• We draft and send a letter before action to the debtor, giving them a specified period (usually 14 days) to pay the debt.

3. Court Proceedings

Timescale: 4-8 weeks

• If the debtor does not respond or pay, we file a claim with the court. The court process can take several weeks, depending on the complexity of the case and the court’s schedule.

4. Obtaining a Judgment

Timescale: 4-6 weeks

• Once the claim is filed, the court will schedule a hearing. If the court rules in your favour, a judgment will be issued against the debtor.

5. Enforcement of Judgment

Timescale: 6-12 weeks

• We advise on the most effective enforcement options, such as a charging order, attachment of earnings, or instructing bailiffs. The timescale for enforcement can vary depending on the method used and the debtor’s circumstances.

Costs and Disbursements

Our pricing for debt recovery.

If we are taking court action to pursue monies owed to you our fees are likely to be:-

• Simple cases – £2,500 – £4,000 plus VAT@20%
• Case of medium complexity – £5,000 – £10,000 plus VAT20%
• High complexity cases – £7,500 – £20,000 plus VAT@20%

We will always provide a clear estimate of costs at the outset and keep you informed of any changes as your case progresses.

We charge based on an hourly rate which varies depending on the member of staff dealing with your matter. Our lowest hourly rate is £120 and our highest hourly rate is £260. The seniority of the members of staff dealing with your case will depend on its complexity. We will discuss this with you when you instruct us.

Factors that could make a case more complex:

• If it is necessary to make or defend applications to amend claims or to provide further information about an existing claim
• Defending claims that are brought by litigants in person
• Making or defending a costs application
• Complex preliminary issues (if this is not agreed by the parties)
• The number of witnesses and documents
• Complex or multiple sources of the debt

Disbursements

Disbursements are costs related to your matter that are payable to third parties, such as court fees. We handle the payment of the disbursements on your behalf to ensure a smoother process.

• Counsel’s fees: estimated between £3000 to £6000 per day excluding VAT@20% (depending on experience of the advocate) for attending a court hearing or trial (including preparation)

• Court Fees: Fees payable to the court for filing a claim and obtaining a judgment. Please follow this link for information on court fees Civil court fees (EX50) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

• Enforcement Costs: Costs associated with enforcing the judgment, such as bailiff fees or charges for obtaining a charging order.

We will inform you of any significant disbursements before they are incurred and provide you with an estimate of the likely costs at the outset of your case.

Contact Jon Gilbert for a chat and for further information.

Your initial half-hour consultation is only £60 plus VAT@20%. Find the answers you have been looking for, today!