Debt Recovery
Step 1 – Letter Of Claim
The first step is to send a letter of claim, in respect of undisputed debts this is straight forward. We will seek to recover the maximum amount owing to you and where appropriate will include claims for statutory interest and compensation.
If you are pursuing a debt from one debtor the cost of the letter of claim will be [£50] plus VAT. If however, you are seeking to recover debts from more than one debtor we may be able to offer a reduction in this cost, please telephone to discuss your specific requirements.
If a response is received to the letter of claim that makes it clear that the debt is disputed our fees going forward will be charged at our standard hourly rates, these will vary depending on the value of the claim and nature of the dispute. In the event that the claim becomes disputed will discuss and agree costs with you before taking any further action.
Step 2 – Court Claims
These costs apply where your claim is in relation to an unpaid invoice which has (and does not include the costs of any necessary enforcement action). As above, 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.
The costs of issuing a claim are set out below, these include us drafting a claim form (and if necessary Particulars of Claim), submitting the claim to the Court to be issued and ensuring the Claim has been served on the Defendant.
| Debt value | Court fee | Our fee (incl. VAT) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Up to £300 | £35 | £72 | £107 |
| £301 - £500 | £50 | £72 | £122 |
| £501 - £1,000 | £70 | £96 | £166 |
| £1,001 - £1,500 | £80 | £108 | £188 |
| £1,501 - £3,000 | £115 | £108 | £223 |
| £3,001 - £5,000 | £205 | £108 | £313 |
| £5,001 - £10,000 | £455 | £132 | £587 |
| £10,000 - £50,000 | 5% of the value of the claim | £132 | £632 - £2,632 |
| £200,000 + | £10,000 |
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.
If after a claim is issued no payment is made by the Defendant and no Defence is filed within the required timeframe we will apply for Judgment in Default on your behalf, an additional fee of between £22 and £35 (dependent on the value of the judgment sum).
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 within 14 days, 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.