Fees for Debt Recovery

We have attempted to cover the fees associated with the most common services here. If you want to know fees for a service not covered here, please Contact Us

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Time Scales

The timescales for debt recovery matters vary and are dependent upon each individual case, however, as a general guideline we aim for the following timescales:-

Initial Instructions received from client would trigger the case worker to review the matter, conduct his relevant research and draft an initial correspondence to be sent to the other party- this ideally would be completed within 10 working days.

Once the initial correspondence has been sent to the other side they ideally would respond within 10 working days from the receipt of our initial correspondence.

Once we then receive the reply from the other side and we have taken further instructions from you then we can negotiate the terms of resolution and a potential settlement could be reached within 14 working days from there onwards.

What is VAT and when is it due?

VAT is chargeable if it meets the following criteria, it must:
  1. be a supply of goods or  services
  2. be a taxable
  3. take place in the UK
  4. be sold by a VAT registered person, and
  5. be made through business activity.

VAT is applicable at the standard rate, 20%, on our services should the criteria be met. If VAT is due on any disbursements, we will inform you prior to agreeing the fee.

Our Fees

The costs of debt recovery can vary depending on the circumstance. If the debt is not disputed, then it is likely to be a lot less expensive than should you need enforcement action.

Here at Adam Bernard Solicitors, our debt recovery team are specialists that can assist you whatever the circumstance. Although we have set fees, there are more complex cases that are disputed that require more time not included in our fixed fee prices. This is outlined to you at the time of instruction or if additional information becomes apparent during the case.

Our costs apply to unpaid invoices which are not disputed, and no enforcement action is required.

Prior to establishing action, we offer fixed fees for pre-action.

Pre-ActionStarting From (Please be aware that these fees differ depending on the complexity of the case)
Letter before Action£450+ VAT
Reviewing response and second letter
£450+ VAT
Preparing final demand letter
£550 + VAT
Pre action Protocol Package (inclusive of initial advice and all correspondence to the other party)£1250 + VAT

All our fees are plus VAT.

Anyone wishing to proceed with a claim should note that:

  • The VAT element of our fee cannot be reclaimed from your debtor.
  • Interest and compensation may take the debt into a higher banding, with a higher cost.
  • The costs quoted above are not for matters where enforcement action, such as the bailiff, is needed to collect your debt.

What is included in the fees?

Our fee includes:

  • Taking your instructions and reviewing documentation
  • Undertaking appropriate searches
  • Sending a letter before action
  • Receiving payment and forwarding same to client, or if the debt is not paid, drafting and issuing claim
  • Where no acknowledgment of service or defence is received, applying to the court to enter judgement in default
  • When judgement in default in received, write to the other side to request payment
  • If payment is not received within 14 days, providing you with advice on next steps and likely costs

What is not in the fees?


  • Any third party disbursements such as:
  • Court fees when filing a claim – please see for a list of fees [https://www.gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money/court-fees]. 
  • Or any fees for representation on your court hearing which would range from £300-3000 depending on your chosen barrister or solicitor. 

Get in touch with our expert Solicitors for our Fees for Deby Recovery today.

Please see the table below for our hourly fees from our East London Office:

Guideline hourly rates

Fee earnerHourly Rate (ex. VAT)
Solicitors and legal executives with over 8 years’ experience
 £282 p/h
Solicitors and legal executives with over 4 years’ experience
 £232 p/h
Other solicitors or legal executives and fee earners of equivalent experience          £185 p/h
Trainee solicitors, paralegals and other fee earners
 £129 p/h

Please see the table below for our hourly fees from our Central London Office:

Guideline hourly rates

Fee earnerHourly Rate (ex. VAT)
Solicitors and legal executives with over 8 years’ experience
 £373 p/h
Solicitors and legal executives with over 4 years’ experience
 £289 p/h
Other solicitors or legal executives and fee earners of equivalent experience          £244 p/h
Trainee solicitors, paralegals and other fee earners
 £139 p/h

We may quote a fixed fee based on our hourly fee earner hourly rates based on an approximation of the number of hours. Generally, it takes between 4-8 hours of work to complete a general application, however this varies. This means that on average costs are between £500 and £6,000 depending on the application.

Get in touch with our expert Solicitors for our Fees for Deby Recovery today.