Debt Recovery Advice

[Al Gorithum]

Been through this a few times recently so thought I'd share my understandings of trying to get money owed out of people.

If the debt is less that £600 you're probably better off taking it on the chin and think nothing more of it.

If it's £600 or over and you get judgment, immediately escalate it to the High Court for the measly sum of £66. This entitles the debt to be collected by the HC Sheriff who has greater powers than the ordinary County Court Bailiff. You may have seen these guys on the telly.

If the claim is for £10k+ (above the Small Claims limit), think VERY carefully about starting proceedings as the costs can be extremely high, and even if you win you'll only get 2/3rds of your costs back.

HTH

[Simpo Two]

I'd just add that for debts under £600, if you're confident you've got a winning case, go legal. The summons might just open their wallet out before proceedings.

[Al Gorithum]

Simpo Two said:

I'd just add that for debts under £600, if you're confident you've got a winning case, go legal. The summons might just open their wallet out before proceedings.

Thanks. Personally I wouldn't, considering the cost of issuing the summons and the probably of not getting paid if I win (County Court Bailiffs are useless), or having to accept 1p per month etc. For peace of mind I'd write it off unless I wanted to cause aggro for the person (attachment of earnings/charge on property etc).

[Cyberprog]

Al Gorithum said:

Thanks. Personally I wouldn't, considering the cost of issuing the summons and the probably of not getting paid if I win (County Court Bailiffs are useless), or having to accept 1p per month etc. For peace of mind I'd write it off unless I wanted to cause aggro for the person (attachment of earnings/charge on property etc).

I'd still issue on them, then assess the probability of payment on whether to proceed.