Debt Recovery

Proactive and commercially focused support to help businesses recover unpaid debts efficiently and protect their cash flow.

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Unpaid invoices and overdue debts can place pressure on cash flow, take up valuable management time and affect a business’s ability to meet its own commitments. Taking action at an early stage can improve the prospects of recovery and prevent debts from becoming more difficult to pursue.

DTM Legal advises businesses, lenders, landlords, insolvency practitioners and other creditors on recovering commercial debts. We support clients with individual unpaid invoices, complex contested debts and larger recovery portfolios, tailoring our approach to the value of the debt, the circumstances of the debtor and the commercial relationship involved.

Our Dispute Resolution solicitors provide support at every stage of the debt recovery process, from initial demands and negotiations through to court proceedings, enforcement and insolvency action. We focus on identifying the quickest and most proportionate route to recovery while keeping costs, recoverability and your wider commercial objectives under review.

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Debt Recovery Legal Services

We advise creditors on a wide range of debt recovery and enforcement matters, including:

  • Initial debt recovery advice and assessment
  • Pre-action correspondence and demands for payment
  • Letters before action and letters of claim
  • Mediation and alternative dispute resolution
  • Issuing and defending debt recovery proceedings
  • Obtaining County Court and High Court judgments
  • Enforcing judgments and court orders
  • Charging orders
  • Attachment of earnings orders
  • Writs and warrants of control
  • Third-party debt orders
  • Orders to obtain information about a debtor’s finances
  • Statutory demands
  • Bankruptcy and winding-up petitions
  • Recovery of commercial assets and claims involving wrongful interference with goods
  • Recovery of money from deceased estates
  • Commercial rent and property-related debt recovery
Our Debt Recovery Fees Disputes Resolution: How to Get Paid – Guide

Why Instruct DTM Legal?

Effective debt recovery is not simply about sending demands or issuing proceedings. The appropriate strategy should reflect the strength of the claim, the debtor’s ability to pay, the available enforcement options and whether there is an ongoing commercial relationship to protect.

Our Dispute Resolution team provides practical advice focused on recoverability and proportionality. We assess the available evidence, explain the likely costs and risks, and help you decide whether negotiation, court proceedings, enforcement or insolvency action offers the most effective route.

We can act on individual complex debts or provide consistent support across a wider recovery portfolio. Throughout the process, we keep the strategy under review and focus on achieving a commercial outcome without taking unnecessary steps that are unlikely to improve recovery.

We provide:

  • Early assessment of the debt and available recovery options
  • Practical advice focused on cost, speed and recoverability
  • Proactive pre-action correspondence and negotiation
  • Clear recommendations on whether court action is proportionate
  • Decisive representation in court and insolvency proceedings
  • Advice on the most appropriate enforcement methods
  • Responsive updates throughout the recovery process

Get in Touch

Whether you are dealing with a single unpaid invoice, a complex disputed debt or a wider portfolio of arrears, our Dispute Resolution team can help you assess your options and take effective recovery action.

To discuss your requirements, contact us by emailing information@dtmlegal.com or calling 01244 354 800 / 0151 321 0000.

Key Contact
Head of Dispute Resolution & Construction
DTM Legal
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Key Considerations Before Starting Debt Recovery Action

Prepare an up-to-date statement showing the invoices, due dates, payments received and total balance outstanding. The amount claimed should be clear and supported by the underlying records. Read our Key Considerations guide to understand some of the points a solicitor may wish to discuss when responding to your enquiry. It can help you prepare the relevant information and make your initial conversation more productive.

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DTM Legal
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Dispute Resolution Team

Jim Morris, Head of Dispute Resolution & Construction Photographed outside DTM Legal in Liverpool
Jim Morris

Head of Dispute Resolution & Construction
Kate Roberts, Partner Head of Liverpool photographed outside DTM Legal Liverpool
Kate Roberts

Partner / Head of Liverpool
Richard Harris, Partner, Dispute Resolution, photographed outside DTM Legal's Liverpool office.
Richard Harris

Partner, Dispute Resolution
Richard Thomas, Head of Business Recovery photographed outside DTM Legal in Liverpool
Richard Thomas

Head of Business Recovery
Anna Abell, Solicitor, Dispute ResolutionHarris, Consultant, Commercial Property photographed outside DTM Legal in Liverpool
Anna Abell

Solicitor, Dispute Resolution
Leanna Guy, Solicitor, Dispute ResolutionHarris, Consultant, Commercial Property
Leanna Guy

Solicitor, Dispute Resolution
Lucy Ayoubi, Solicitor, Dispute Resolution
Lucy Ayoubi

Solicitor, Dispute Resolution
Molly Clapham, Senior Paralegal, Dispute Resolution
Molly Clapham

Senior Paralegal, Dispute Resolution

Frequently Asked Questions

Commonly asked questions about debt recovery legal services.

It is sensible to seek advice once an invoice has become overdue and your usual credit control process has not resulted in payment. Acting promptly can help preserve evidence, clarify the debtor’s position and reduce the risk that its financial circumstances deteriorate further.

Instructing a solicitor does not mean that court proceedings must immediately follow. A formal letter or structured negotiation may be enough to secure payment or an acceptable repayment arrangement.

Yes. Many debts are resolved through a formal letter before action, negotiation, mediation or an agreed payment plan.

The appropriate approach will depend on whether the debt is admitted, the debtor’s ability to pay and the relationship between the parties. Any repayment or settlement agreement should be documented clearly so that your rights are protected if the debtor defaults again.

A disputed debt will need to be assessed by reviewing the contract, invoices, correspondence and evidence that the goods or services were properly provided. The strength of the debtor’s objections will influence the most appropriate strategy.

It may be possible to resolve the dispute through negotiation or mediation. Where agreement cannot be reached, court proceedings may be required to determine whether the money is owed.

A judgment confirms that the debtor is legally required to pay, but further enforcement action may be needed if payment is not made voluntarily.

The available options can include instructing enforcement officers, securing the debt against property, seeking deductions from earnings or applying for money held by a third party. The best method will depend on the debtor’s assets and financial circumstances.

Recovery may still be possible, but the available options will depend on whether formal insolvency proceedings have begun and whether the creditor holds any security or guarantee.

We can advise on statutory demands, winding-up or bankruptcy proceedings, submitting a proof of debt and engaging with an appointed insolvency practitioner. Before taking action, it is important to consider the likely return and whether insolvency proceedings are commercially proportionate.

What our Clients Say

See what our customers have to say about their experience

Review Solicitors Stars
5/5 350+Reviews
Sienna
21/10/2023
This practice is unique in the way in which the lawyers operate. They are partner-led and all levels of fee earner looks after your matter. The partners are always engaged and accessible. This creates flexibility and speed without losing the key ingredient of experience.
Charlotte
05/10/2023
The team at DTM Legal provides realistic advice on prospects, and their availability is commendable. They truly understand their clients’ needs.
Anonymous
01/10/2023
Kate Roberts is outstanding. She is razor sharp in all of her fields of expertise and is a brilliant strategist. She is very commercial in her approach to legal disputes and is extremely responsive.

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