Debt Recovery
Efficient debt recovery services for businesses and individuals.
Debt Recovery
We help recover outstanding debts through negotiation, formal procedures, and court action. Our team focuses on achieving quick, cost-effective recovery while maintaining business relationships where possible.
Key Services
- Commercial debt collection
- County and High Court proceedings
- Enforcement and execution
- Insolvency proceedings
- Asset tracing and recovery
- International debt recovery
Related Money, Tax & Debt Services
Strategic tax planning services to minimize tax liabilities and ensure compliance.
InsolvencyExpert insolvency advice for companies and individuals facing financial difficulties.
Financial DisputesResolution of complex financial disputes including banking and investment matters.
HMRC Investigations & Tax DisputesExpert representation in HMRC investigations, tax disputes, and compliance matters.
Business Finance & LendingComprehensive business finance services including loan agreements, security arrangements, and financial restructuring.
Pension Law & Retirement PlanningExpert pension law services covering workplace pensions, personal pensions, and retirement planning.
Why Choose Gardner Champion?
- Specialist financial law expertise
- Tax-efficient planning strategies
- Effective debt recovery procedures
- Comprehensive insolvency support
Need expert legal advice?
Contact us for a personalized consultation and quote for your specific legal needs. All our fees exclude VAT.
Get Free ConsultationDetailed Information
Financial Law and Tax Planning
Tax Planning
Effective tax planning can help individuals and businesses minimize their tax liabilities while remaining compliant with applicable regulations. We provide advice on various tax planning strategies, including inheritance tax planning, capital gains tax optimization, and corporate tax efficiency.
Debt Recovery
When debts are not paid, effective recovery procedures are essential to protect your financial interests. We help businesses and individuals recover outstanding debts through negotiation, formal procedures, and court action, always focusing on achieving the best possible outcome.
Insolvency and Financial Restructuring
Corporate Insolvency
Corporate insolvency procedures include administration, liquidation, and company voluntary arrangements. We help companies and their directors understand their options and navigate the insolvency process, always focusing on achieving the best possible outcome for all stakeholders.
Personal Insolvency
Personal insolvency procedures include bankruptcy, individual voluntary arrangements, and debt relief orders. We help individuals understand their options and guide them through the process, providing support and advice throughout what can be a difficult time.
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Our experienced solicitors can provide you with a free estimate and priority service.
Request a free estimateFrequently Asked Questions
Help Guides
Managing Debt and Financial Difficulties
Essential steps to take when facing financial difficulties and debt problems.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Assess your financial situation honestly and completely
- 2List all your debts, assets, and monthly income and expenses
- 3Contact your creditors to discuss your situation and possible arrangements
- 4Seek professional advice from a qualified financial advisor or solicitor
- 5Consider all available options including informal arrangements and formal procedures
- 6Develop a realistic budget and payment plan
- 7Implement the chosen strategy and monitor your progress
- 8Review and adjust your approach as circumstances change
Helpful Tips
- Don't ignore the problem - early action is often more effective
- Be honest with creditors about your situation
- Keep detailed records of all communications and payments
- Consider the long-term implications of any decisions you make
Important Warnings
- Don't make promises you can't keep to creditors
- Be careful about taking on more debt to pay existing debts
- Don't transfer assets to family or friends to avoid creditors
- Consider the impact on your credit rating and future borrowing
Effective Tax Planning
Key principles for minimizing tax liabilities while remaining compliant with regulations.
Step-by-Step Process
- 1Understand your current tax position and obligations
- 2Identify opportunities for legitimate tax savings
- 3Consider timing of income and expenses to optimize tax position
- 4Review your business structure and consider if changes would be beneficial
- 5Plan for major life events that may affect your tax position
- 6Keep detailed records of all tax-related transactions
- 7Seek professional advice for complex tax planning strategies
- 8Regularly review and update your tax planning approach
Helpful Tips
- Start planning early in the tax year for maximum benefit
- Keep up to date with changes in tax law and regulations
- Consider the interaction between different types of tax
- Don't let tax considerations override sound business or personal decisions
Important Warnings
- Don't engage in aggressive tax avoidance schemes without proper advice
- Be careful about tax planning that may be challenged by HMRC
- Don't ignore your tax obligations or deadlines
- Consider the potential costs and risks of any tax planning strategies
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Let our expert team handle your legal needs with confidence and care.
Additional Information
Our Process
Our financial law process begins with a detailed assessment of your financial situation and objectives. We then provide tailored advice on tax planning, debt recovery, or insolvency matters, working with other professionals as needed. Throughout the process, we keep you informed and provide practical guidance to help you achieve your financial goals.
Timeline
Timeline varies depending on the complexity of your situation. Simple tax planning may be completed within a few weeks, while complex insolvency procedures can take several months. We provide realistic timelines at the outset and keep you updated on progress throughout the process.
Costs & Fees
We provide clear cost estimates for financial law services and discuss funding options where appropriate. All our legal fees exclude VAT. Costs typically include our fees and any third-party costs such as court fees or professional fees. We work to provide value for money while ensuring you receive the legal support you need.
What You'll Need
- Details of your financial situation and objectives
- Information about your income, assets, and liabilities
- Details of any existing arrangements or agreements
- Information about your business activities (if applicable)
- Details of any previous legal advice or correspondence
- Any relevant tax returns or financial statements
- Information about your creditors and debtors
- Any specific concerns or questions you have
Pricing & Service Information
Our Legal Fees
£500 - £3,000+ VAT
For debt recovery services up to £100,000, depending on complexity and value
VAT at 20% will be added to all our legal fees
Additional Costs (Disbursements)
These are costs paid to third parties on your behalf:
Court issue fee(Required)
Varies by claim value (5% of claim amount over £10,000)
Hearing fee
If case proceeds to trial, varies by claim value
Enforcement fees
If judgment obtained and enforcement action needed
Process server fees
If personal service of documents is required
What's Included
- Initial assessment of debt and prospects of recovery
- Pre-action letters and negotiations with debtor
- Preparation and issue of court claim
- Reviewing and responding to defence (if filed)
- Settlement negotiations throughout the process
- Drafting witness statements and evidence bundles
- Attendance at small claims or fast track hearings
- Advice on judgment enforcement options
- Regular progress updates and cost estimates
What's Not Included
- Court fees for issuing claims and hearings
- Enforcement costs (bailiffs, charging orders, etc.)
- Expert witness fees if required
- Barrister fees for complex cases
- Costs of obtaining evidence or documentation
- Travel expenses for court attendances outside local area
- Appeal costs if judgment is appealed
Typical Timescales
3-9 months from instruction to judgment (if undefended: 3-4 months | if defended: 6-12 months)
Timeline varies significantly depending on whether the debt is defended, the amount involved, and court availability. Many cases settle before trial. Enforcement after judgment can take additional time depending on debtor's circumstances.
Key Stages of Your Matter
Initial Assessment
We review the debt, assess evidence, and advise on prospects of successful recovery
Pre-Action Protocol
Formal letter before action giving debtor opportunity to pay or dispute
Court Claim Issue
If debt remains unpaid, we prepare and issue court proceedings
Defence Period
Debtor has 14-28 days to acknowledge claim or file defence
Settlement Negotiations
Ongoing negotiations to achieve payment without full trial
Directions & Evidence
If defended, court sets timetable for evidence exchange
Hearing & Judgment
Trial hearing if no settlement, with court judgment issued
Enforcement
If judgment obtained, various enforcement options pursued
Example Pricing Scenarios
Debt recovery £5,000 (undefended)
Simple unpaid invoice, debtor does not defend, judgment by default
£750-£1,050 (legal fees inc VAT) plus £205 court fees
Debt recovery £25,000 (defended)
Contract dispute, full defence filed, settlement before trial
£2,100-£3,000 (legal fees inc VAT) plus £1,065 court fees
Debt recovery £75,000 (complex)
Multiple invoices, counterclaim, full fast track trial
£3,600-£4,800 (legal fees inc VAT) plus £3,815 court fees
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Contact our debt recovery specialists for a consultation.