Translating the debt recovery legal jargon

Letter Before Action

Sometimes called a 7 day letter or LBA. This is a letter sent out by us requesting payment from your debtor within 7 days (usually), stating that Court proceedings will be issued if not paid.

Issuing a Claim (Summons)

This is the issuing of Court proceedings in the County Court on your behalf, for the amount of your claim, interest and fixed court costs. (Being the costs you can reclaim from your debtor.)

Acknowledgement of Service

Document sent to your debtor by the Court. They have to complete it and return it to the Court within 14 days if they want to defend the action.

Defence

Your debtor's reason for not paying the sums you claim are owed.

Judgement

Court confirmation of the amount due to you by your debtor at a particular moment in time. Judgement can be set aside on application of your debtor giving good reasons.

Enforcement

The type of action undertaken on your behalf to recover the monies awarded to you under Judgement.