Debt Recovery

Harrop, White Vallance & Dawson undertake debt recovery work, though normally only for existing clients of the Firm. Both Treve Lander and Charles Dawson have over 30 years’ experience of debt collection including the relevant Court and other legal procedures (i.e. bankruptcy & insolvency notices).  As partners in the firm they consult on problem or difficult cases.

The Firm does not usually handle what are known as small claims within the County Court system (ie claims up to  £10,000 in value)

Payment of the relevant Court fees will be required on account prior to commencing proceedings. The current Court fees are shown below and are readily accessible on the Internet.

The court fee is based on the amount you’re claiming, plus any interest.

Claim Amount                           Fee

Up to £300                                £35 – Court fees given for information only

£300.01 to £500                      £50 – Court fees given for information only

£500.01 to £1,000                    £70 – Court fees given for information only

£1,000.01 to £1,500                 £80 – Court fees given for information only

£1,500.01 to £3,000                £115 – Court fees given for information only

£3,000.01 to £5,000               £205 – Court fees given for information only

£5,000.01 to £10,000             £455 – Court fees given for information only

£10,000.01 to £200,000          5% of the claim

More than £200,000                £10,000

Note: there is no VAT on any Court fees

Our work will include:-

• Initial instruction and obtaining full details and documents relating to the claim
• Initial advice on the likelihood of success
• Preparing and sending a letter before action to the Debtor
• Reporting any response or offer from the Debtor
• Preparing and lodging a claim in court
• Reporting and advising on any defence or partial admission
• Where undefended, apply for judgement
• If debt not paid or agreement reached with Debtor – considering options with you:-

ie levying execution (bailiff) – warrant court fee £130 (no VAT)

Insolvency notice (Company)

Bankruptcy Notice (Individual)

Our own fees (which are in addition to the Court fees) are based on time spent – both Mr Lander and Mr Dawson charge £225 plus VAT (at 20%) per hour spent.  For our initial instruction and a letter before action our bill is likely to be between £150-£300 plus VAT (at 20%).  For drafting and filing the claim in court an additional £100-£350 plus VAT (at 20%) will be payable depending on the complexity of your case and £150 plus VAT (at 20%) for entering judgement.  Beyond these figures estimation of costs is difficult, in cases where applying for a Warrant of Execution (Bailiff), serving an Insolvency Notice (Company) or a Bankruptcy Notice (Individual) are appropriate the additional fees are likely to be £200 plus VAT (at 20%).  In the event that claims are defended or subject to partial admission costs may vary considerably depending on the circumstances and whether the case becomes contested litigation.  Precise costing is impossible, but advice on whether to discontinue the claim or to accept/refuse the partial admission is likely to cost £150-£250 plus VAT (at 20%).

Time Estimate

Much depends on the facts of the case and progress of the court case.  Whilst a simple non-payment case may take around 12 weeks to resolve, other cases can take many months and if fully defended 12-15 months or longer may be needed.  Recent delays in the Court system may extend these times.