Fee Range

Debt recovery costs can vary a lot. It depends on the complexity of the claim, any disputes relating to the debt, whether the debt is repaid at an early stage or whether proceedings need to be issued to recover the debt and if proceedings are issued the issues of fact and law that need to be determined, the length of the hearing and whether any applications are made by one of the parties.

Our hourly rates range between £120 plus VAT to £300 plus VAT depending on the experience required. A claim settled before proceedings are issued can range from 2 to 14 hours, a claim settled after proceedings are issued depending on what stage proceedings reach can be 4 to 50 hours and more complicated claims where facts are vigorously challenged can be considerably more. We will keep you advised of costs throughout a claim so that you are aware of charges.

What is Included

This depends on the claim, but will usually include:

• Taking initial instructions, reviewing documents and advising in connection with the claim at every stage of the claim;
• Exploring and negotiating the settlement of a claim at appropriate times;
• Preparing and issuing a claim, the amount of the debt or response to these;
• Taking witness statements;
• Preparing lists of issues;
• Evaluating documents that support a claim and dealing with bundles of documents for hearings.

What is Excluded

Additional fees and costs may arise, which are not included in the above fee range. For example:

• applications that are made in a claim for further decision or disclosure;
• applications to strike out a claim or for summary judgement in relation to a claim, including any application to pay a deposit as a condition of proceeding with a claim;
• making or defending cost applications;
• disbursement we incur on your behalf such as court fees (which range from £35 for a claim for less than £300 to £10,000 for a claim of more than £200,000);
• preliminary hearings to decide complex issues that form a part of a claim;
• if expert evidence is required to be given, say, in respect of the quality of the service provided;
• the costs of a barrister’s advise and/or attending hearings.

If a matter arises that makes the claim more complex or requires more evidence or the assistance of an expert, we will let you know.

Timescales

The length of time from you instructing us to completion of your claim is highly depended on several factors. If both parties wish to negotiate a settlement from the outset, this period could be as little as 4 to 6 weeks. If the claim proceeds to trial, then this period can be anything from 6 to 24 months depending on complexity and the Court’s availability for hearings.