Understanding our Charges for Debt Recovery

Understanding your Costs

The costs set out below apply where your claim is in relation to an unpaid invoice for a specified sum that is not disputed, and where 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 basis (e.g. if a one-off letter is required), or at an hourly rate if more extensive work is needed.

The steps and timescales set out below are those which apply to a matter that does not have particular complications.  If your matter does have such complications, we will always inform you immediately and will discuss the potential consequences both in respect of the chances of success and the potential costs.

 

Key Stages in the Claim

There are 2 main stages within the debt collection process:

Stage 1 – Letter Before Action

This involves:

• Taking your instructions and reviewing documentation
• Undertaking appropriate credit searches
• Sending a letter before action
• Receiving payment and sending onto you
• Updating you and answering your queries whilst the matter is ongoing

If stage 1 is unsuccessful it may be necessary to issue court proceedings which is Stage 2

Stage 2 – Court Proceedings

This involves:

• Drafting court papers and issuing your claim at court
• Where no Acknowledgment of Service or Defence is received, applying to the court to enter Judgment in default
• When Judgment in default is received, writing 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
• Updating you and answering your queries whilst the matter is ongoing
• Timescales

 

Stage 1

We will send a Letter Before Action within 3 working days of receiving your formal instructions.  Matters usually take 2-3 weeks from receipt of instructions from you to receipt of payment from the other side.

Stage 2

Where Stage 1 and Stage 2 are required judgment in default or on admission usually takes 6 – 8 weeks from receipt of your formal instructions.  If the debtor pays promptly following judgement this takes one to 2 weeks thereafter.  If enforcement action is needed, the matter will take longer to resolve.  If enforcement is needed we can discuss further costs with you.  The costs set out for Stage 1 and Stage 2 do not include enforcement proceedings.

Explanation of Costs and Fees

Please note that the fees outlined below are also subject to VAT at 20%.

Debt Value up to £1,000

Stage 1 – £120

Stage 2 – £250

 

Debt Value £1,001-£5,000

Stage 1 – £170

Stage 2 – £350

 

Debt Value £5,001-£10,000

Stage 1 – £220

Stage 2 – £450

 

Debt Value £10,001 – £25,000

Stage 1 – £270

Stage 2 – £550

 

Debt Value £25,001 – £50,000

Stage 1 – £300

Stage 2 – £600

 

Debt Value over £50,001

Stage 1 – £350

Stage 2 – £750

 

For debts of over £100,000, or where the debt is disputed, please contact our team of experts on 01743 248545 or mail@hatchers.co.uk for a bespoke quotation.

 

Expenses

If Stage 2 is required there is a fee payable to the court for the issue of court proceedings.  The fee depends on the value of the debt and can range from £35 for a debt of £300 to 5% of the debt in claims of £10,000 or more.  For more information on the level of fees imposed by the courts, click here.