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Litigation Services – Debt Recovery

Our Litigation team provides practical and commercially focused advice in relation to debt recovery matters.

We understand that no two claims are the same. Each matter is handled individually, and we aim to provide clear guidance, realistic prospects, and transparent pricing from the outset.


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People Who May Carry Out Work

Your matter may be handled by one or more of the following:

Debt Recovery (Up to £100,000)

Please contact us for a tailored estimate of costs and disbursements for your specific matter. The information below provides a general guide to likely costs.

If your claim is successful at a final hearing, the court may order the other party to pay a proportion of your legal costs (typically up to approximately 75%).

All work is usually carried out on an hourly rate basis unless otherwise agreed.

Hourly Rates

Our standard hourly rates (plus VAT) are:

  • Partners: £360 per hour
  • Solicitors (8+ years PQE): £330 per hour

These rates are reviewed annually and may be subject to change.

Estimated Costs and Disbursements

The following are indicative ranges only and are not fixed fees. Costs will depend on the complexity of your matter.

Investigation and Pre-Action Work

Work Type Costs (excl. VAT) Disbursements
Tracing £26 – £555 £65 – £1,500
Pre-sue reports £70 – £555 £250 – £1,500
Chasing letter £250 – £350 £65 – £1,500
Protocol letter £950 – £1,250 £250 – £1,500
Further work (investigation, negotiation, preparation) £750 – £8,500

Proceedings

Work Type Costs (excl. VAT) Disbursements
County Court claim (undefended) £1,500 – £3,500 Court fees (£35 – £20,000 depending on claim value)
Barrister’s fees £500 – £3,000

Defended and Complex Claims

If a claim is defended or becomes more complex, work will be charged at hourly rates.
We will provide updated cost estimates as the matter progresses.

Disbursements and Other Expenses

Disbursements are costs payable to third parties, such as court fees.

If the matter proceeds to a hearing, a barrister (counsel) may be instructed. Barristers’ fees vary depending on experience and complexity, but typically range from approximately:

  • £500 to £5,000 + VAT per day

We will advise you on these costs before they are incurred.

Work Included in Our Fees

The costs outlined above generally cover:

  • Taking your instructions and advising you throughout
  • Reviewing and advising on evidence
  • Conducting relevant searches (e.g. bankruptcy searches)
  • Sending a letter of claim
  • Preparing and issuing court proceedings if required
  • Applying for judgment in default where appropriate
  • Corresponding with the debtor
  • Advising on next steps if payment is not received

These costs do not include enforcement action (e.g. instructing bailiffs), which will be discussed separately if required.

Factors Affecting Costs

Costs may vary depending on:

  • The size of the debt
  • The debtor’s location and financial position
  • Whether the debt is disputed
  • The complexity of the matter
  • The type of recovery or enforcement action required
  • Your instructions

Complex claims may result in higher costs.

Timescales

The time required to resolve your matter will depend on the stage at which it concludes and the conduct of the other party.

Typical timescales are:

  • Pre-action settlement: 6–8 weeks
  • Undefended proceedings: 1–4 months
  • Defended claims to trial: 6–12 months or longer

These are estimates only. We will provide more accurate timescales as your matter progresses.
It is not possible to estimate enforcement timescales, as these vary significantly between cases. Settlement may be reached at any stage.

Transparency and Costs

We are committed to clear and transparent pricing.

At the outset, we will provide a cost estimate based on your circumstances. If your matter becomes more complex or additional work is required, we will inform you promptly and discuss any implications before further costs are incurred.

Enquiry Form

Please fill in the form below and we will call you to discuss your needs.

Bowcock & Pursaill Solicitors
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