1. Introduction
Instructing solicitors can seem like a daunting process but it is easier if you clearly understand the scope of work that will be undertaken for you, how long it will take and how much you will be charged for this.
We are always very happy to discuss such matters with you, both before we undertake any work for you and at any point whilst any of your matters are progressing.
Transparency and a clear understanding of the scope of work, timescales for delivery and costs will be important for you, and are a fundamental part of our service, which has contributed in no small part to us building trusted, longstanding client relationships over a number of years. We would very much welcome the opportunity to start that journey with you too.
Since December 2018, in accordance with their Transparency Rules, the Solicitors Regulation Authority has required all solicitors to publish on their website certain key information for particular areas of legal work. You will find that information set out below for our legal services in connection with Debt Collection.
Whilst we hope that you find this useful, because this information needs to cover a number of scenarios, it is unfortunately lengthy and not as simple as we would like it to be for you.
So, if you need any legal assistance and think that we may be able to help (including matters relating to Debt Collection), please do contact us directly (whether over the telephone or by email) so that we can properly understand the assistance that you require and how best we help you. This will then enable us to provide you with a tailored estimate of charges for your particular requirements, which we are sure will be much clearer and easier for you to understand since they will reflect your exact requirements.
If you would like to provide us with details of your particular circumstances and requirements, click here to request a detailed quote / to arrange a meeting. We would be very pleased to hear from you so that we can assist you with the clear and transparent information that you need.
2. Stage 1:
2.1 Pre-Action
2.1.1 Our Fees
We work on a fixed fee basis for Stage 1 Pre-Action Debt Collection . That fee is £25.00 plus VAT
There is no difference in our fees for debts of varying values.
2.1.2 Scope of Work
Included in Our Fees as set out above is the following work:
- taking your instructions
- advising you on the route to follow
- preparing and sending a seven day letter before action
- making one chasing call or sending one email if no response is received after sending the seven day letter before action
2.1.3 How Long Should Stage 1 Pre-Action Debt Collection Take?
On average, the length of time it will take from taking your instructions, sending out the letter before action to deciding what next stage is appropriate is between three and four weeks.
2.2 Alternative Route:
It may sometimes be necessary to take an alternative route before issuing proceedings and issue a Statutory Demand.
2.2.1 Our Fees
All of our fees are subject to VAT at the rate of 20%. In the case of disbursements, where we have indicated that VAT is chargeable on them, the rate of VAT will be 20%.
For work in connection with issuing of a Statutory Demand (based on the Scope of Work below), our Fees are calculated on a time basis at £160 per hour (plus VAT). In connection with issuing most Statutory Demands, this results in our Fees being up to £200.00 plus VAT.
2.2.2 Disbursements
All of our fees are subject to VAT at the rate of 20%. In the case of disbursements, where we have indicated that VAT is chargeable on them, the rate of VAT will be 20%.
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that it is necessary for us to pay to other people, businesses, agencies or entities on your behalf. We will ask you to provide us with the funds in advance to pay these costs.
Disbursements (Third Party)
Anticipated disbursements are:
- process server’s fee ranging between £100.00 and £200.00 depending upon the area of service
2.2.3 Scope of Work
Included in Our Fees as set out above is the following work:
- preparing the Statutory Demand and arranging to have the document personally served by a process server. The Debtor is given 21 days from being served to pay the debt
3. Stage 2: Court Claims
All of our fees are subject to VAT at the rate of 20%. In the case of disbursements, where we have indicated that VAT is chargeable on them, the rate of VAT will be 20%.
3.1 Our Fees
For our work in connection with court claims (based on the Scope of Work below), our Fees are calculated on a time basis at £110vto £160.00 per hour (plus VAT). For most court claims, this results in our Fees being up to £1,000.00 plus VAT.
3.2 Disbursements
All of our fees are subject to VAT at the rate of 20%. In the case of disbursements, where we have indicated that VAT is chargeable on them, the rate of VAT will be 20%.
Disbursements are costs related to your matter that it is necessary for us to pay to other people, businesses, agencies or entities on your behalf. We will ask you to provide us with the funds in advance to pay these costs.
Disbursements (Third Party)
Anticipated disbursements are:
- court issue fee. This will depend upon the value of your claim. If your claim is valued between £300.00 and £10,000.00, then the court fees range between £35.00 and £455.00. If your claim is over £10,000.00 the fee is equivalent to 5% of the value of your claim but capped at a maximum of £10,000.00
3.3 Scope of Work
Included in Our Fees as set out above is the following work:
- advising you upon the process of issuing court proceedings and your chances of success
- reviewing your documents and preparing the documents to issue proceedings with the court
- arranging for the court to effect service of the documents upon the debtor
- advising upon when you can enter judgment if your debt is not paid within the specified timeframe
- entering judgment (if the debt is not disputed)
- advising upon, but not commencing, enforcement proceedings, if necessary
3.4 How Long will it Take for my Claim to Complete?:
On average, from issuing proceedings to obtaining judgment (should the debt remain undisputed), should take around 3 – 6 months. Covid has had a significant impact on the Courts capacity to process applications which has caused some delays in the court system. We will endeavour to deal with each stage of your application in an expedient manner to avoid any unnecessary delays.
4. What is not Included in the Our Fees:
None of Our Fees above include:
- dealing with disputed unpaid invoices. If the other party disputes your claim at any point, we will discuss with you any further work required which will be charged on an hourly rate
- advising on alternative dispute resolution or more involved insolvency proceedings, such as bankruptcy or winding-up proceedings, or enforcement
Our fees for undertaking the above work can be discussed with you if you require the above work to be undertaken.