Debt Recovery

Court claims

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 (eg if a one-off letter is required), or 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 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 Acknowledgement of Service or Defence is received, applying to the court to enter Judgment in default;
• • when Judgment in default is received, write to the other side to request payment;
• • if payment is not received within 28 days, providing you with advice on next steps and likely costs.

Matters usually take 4-8 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 Judgment in default. If enforcement action is needed, the matter will take longer to resolve.

Our fees are based upon the individual circumstances of the matter and the work required to be undertaken. We charge based on an hourly rate which varies depending on the member of staff dealing with your matter having regard for their qualification, experience and the expertise. Our lowest hourly rate is £264 including VAT and our highest hourly rate is £420 including VAT. The seniority of the members of staff dealing with your case will likely depend on its complexity.