Debt Recovery

Effective debt recovery begins with a well-drafted letter before action — a formal demand that puts the debtor on notice that legal proceedings will follow if the debt is not paid. In many cases, a firm letter before action from a solicitor is sufficient to prompt payment without the need for court proceedings. Where the debtor does not respond or refuses to pay, court proceedings can be commenced relatively quickly and cost-effectively through the County Court.

• Letter before action — formal demand with a clear deadline
• Negotiation and instalment arrangements where appropriate
• Money claim in the County Court (online via MCOL for debts up to £100,000)
• Default judgment where the debtor does not respond
• Summary judgment where the debtor has no real prospect of defending the claim
• Enforcement of judgment — ensuring you actually receive payment

Obtaining a court judgment is only the first step — you then need to enforce it. There are several enforcement methods available depending on the debtor's circumstances. Our solicitors will advise you on the most appropriate and effective enforcement method for your situation.

• Warrant of control — instructing enforcement agents (bailiffs)
• Third party debt order — recovering money directly from the debtor's bank
• Attachment of earnings order — deductions from wages
• Charging order — securing the debt against the debtor's property
• Order to obtain information — finding out about the debtor's financial position
• Insolvency proceedings — statutory demand and winding up petitions for company debts

For businesses dealing with multiple unpaid invoices or recurring debtor problems, a structured approach to credit control and debt recovery can significantly improve cash flow. Our solicitors advise businesses of all sizes across Ilford and East London on debt recovery procedures, terms and conditions of business, and credit control best practice — helping to prevent debts from arising in the first place as well as recovering those that do.