Debt Recovery at Blakewater Certus Solicitors
We offer assistance in recovering both disputed and undisputed debts.
The following information is to give you an idea as to our costs in these matters. However, if you would like more precise information, or to discuss how we can assist you, then please contact us.
What do Our Fees Include?
Our fee includes:
- Taking your instructions and reviewing documentation.
- Undertaking appropriate searches.
- Issuing a letter before action requesting payment from the debtor.
- Receiving payment and sending this on to you.
- Drafting and issuing a claim form to the relevant court if the debt is not paid. In higher value cases, the costs incurred in drafting and issuing proceedings will be higher as a consequence of the value of the claim and the likely increased complexity of the proceedings that would be necessary.
- Applying to the court to enter a Judgment in Default if the debtor fails to respond to court proceedings.
- Contacting the other side to request payment where a Judgment in Default has been issued by the court.
- Receiving payment and sending that out to you.
- If payment is not received within 14 days, providing you with advice on next steps and likely costs as a result.
- If at any stage the matter becomes contested and the debt is disputed, or letters are received from the other party contesting payment or a defence and counterclaim is lodged then our costs would be higher, and we will advise you.
How Long will it take?
Matters usually take in the region of 12 weeks from receipt of instructions from you to receipt of payment from the other side. This depends on whether or not it is necessary to issue a claim. It is also on the basis that the other side pays promptly on receipt of Judgment in Default. If enforcement action is needed, the matter will take longer to resolve.
Our Costs
These costs apply where your claim is in relation to an unpaid invoice which is not disputed, and 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 (e.g. if a one-off letter is required), or an hourly rate if more extensive work is needed.
In some cases, disbursements will be payable in addition. Examples of disbursements may be fees for a barrister, searches, or bailiffs.
Debt Value | Court Fee | Our Fee | VAT@20% | Total (incl VAT 20%) |
Up to £5,000 | Up to £180 | Up to £400 | Up to £80 | Up to £660 |
Up to £5,001 – £10,000 | £410 | Up to £600 | Up to £120 | Up to £1130 |
Up to £10,001 – £50,000 | 4.5% of the value of the claim | Up to £1,000 | Up to £200 | £1650 to £3450 |
Please note that:
- The VAT element of our fee cannot be reclaimed from your debtor.
- Interest and compensation may take the debt into a higher banding, with a higher cost.
- The costs quoted above are not for matters where enforcement action, such as the bailiff, is needed to collect your debt.
- The Court fee is based on issuing a claim via Money Claim Online (MCOL). On some occasions MCOL is not suitable. In those circumstances we will advise you on the Court Fee which may be slightly higher than issuing a claim via MCOL.
- There may be additional disbursements.
Who will be carrying out the work?
The work will be undertaken by Naheem Anwar and Sahdia Hussain, both of whom are directors of Blakewater Solicitors Limited. They will be assisted by other fee-earners.
Naheem Anwar
Naheem began his legal career in Leeds in 1998, training as a solicitor with international law firm Hammonds. Naheem qualified in 2002. After a period working as a Banking and Finance lawyer Naheem decided to specialise in Dispute Resolution.
Naheem has worked in Leeds, London and Manchester with a number of key players in the market including Hammonds and Ralli Solicitors.
Naheem is a Partner in the Litigation department. Naheem handles disputes and litigation for businesses of varying sizes across a diverse range of industry sectors but specialises in particular in Commercial Litigation, including disputes arising out of commercial agreements.
Naheem also has experience in managing and resolving property issues and disputes for commercial and residential property owners, investors and occupiers. He is an expert in landlord and tenant matters, litigation, arbitration and mediation procedures.
Naheem has significant experience in debt enforcement matters and can advise on the variety of methods that are available.
Sahdia Hussain
Sahdia began her legal career in Leeds in 2005 at the age of 18 in conveyancing. After a period of working as a legal assistant in a large conveyancing firm gaining valuable experience, Sahdia went on to study for her law degree and LPC.
After completing her studies Sahdia worked as a paralegal at Lyons Davidson in their insurance litigation department acting for major insurance companies with national reach.
In 2013 Sahdia joined Certus Solicitors working as a legal assistant. Sahdia obtained a training contract with Certus Solicitors in 2014 and qualified in 2016. Sahdia is a director of Blakewater Solicitors Limited.
Sahdia decided to specialise in Debt Recovery and Landlord and Tenant Residential.
Sahdia handles disputes and litigation for individuals and businesses of varying sizes.
Sahdia also has experience in managing and resolving commercial property issues and insolvency.
For precise information and to discuss how we can assist your business, Please Contact Us
Contact us to get your free quote today and take the first step towards resolving your legal matters with confidence.