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Debt Recovery & Enforcement
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At AQ Archers, we recognize that civil disputes such as debt recovery between individuals, businesses, or both can be disruptive and stressful, often with significant emotional and financial consequences. Our team of experienced solicitors is dedicated to resolving disputes swiftly and effectively, ensuring you receive expert guidance at every step. Our team has over 14 years of experience dealing with civil disputes and debt recovery. We focus on achieving resolutions early, wherever possible, to minimize the need for court proceedings, saving you time, money, and stress.
We pride ourselves on delivering tailored, practical solutions that address your unique needs while protecting your interests.
We are committed to providing clear and transparent information about our legal fees and services for debt recovery matters.
In addition to our legal fees, there are fixed disbursements, such as Court fees and enforcement costs which would be separately payable. You may also incur costs for third-party services, such as debtor tracing to locate the debtor and barristers’ fees wherein the matters are defended.
Our legal fee will incur Value Added Tax (VAT), which is charged at the prevailing rate (currently 20%).
Understanding VAT (Value-Added Tax)
VAT is a government tax typically added at 20% to our fees and disbursements unless otherwise stated. If you are VAT-registered, you cannot reclaim the VAT element of our fees from your debtor.
Fixed Fees
The table below outlines the fees and costs associated with claims issued at the County Court Money Claims Centre. These fees apply to unpaid invoices that are not disputed and do not require enforcement action.
If the other party disputes your claim at any stage, we will provide updated advice regarding additional work and costs. This could be on a fixed-fee basis (e.g., a one-time letter) or charged at an hourly rate if more extensive work is required.
| Debt Value | Our Fee (Excl. VAT) | VAT (20%) | Court Fee |
| Up to £5,000 | £600 – £1,000 | £120 – £200 | £35 – £205 |
| £5,001 – £10,000 | £750 – £1,500 | £150 – £300 | £455 |
| £10,001 – £100,000 | £1,500 – £2,500 | £300 – £500 | 5% of the value of the claim |
For disputed claims requiring additional work, we charge hourly rates which depend on the solicitor’s location and experience. On average, such cases could take between 4 and 50 hours of work to complete. Estimated costs range from £1500 to £20,000, plus VAT at 20% (£300 to £4,000).
Hourly Rates
Our legal fees charges on an hourly basis:
- Mr. M. Asghar Khan (Solicitor): £312.00 plus £62.40 VAT.
- Mr. Raja Khurram (Solicitor): £312.00 plus £62.40 VAT.
- Other Caseworkers: £139.00–£204.00 plus VAT (£27.80–£40.80), depending on seniority and experience.
You may visit to find out the Solicitors’ guideline hourly rates at Solicitors’ guideline hourly rates – GOV.UK.
Key Stages/Our Fee Includes
- Initial Review: Discuss your circumstances to determine the best course of action and explore available options. (Estimated 1-5 hours)
- Evidence Assessment: Review supporting documents and provide advice on the Civil Procedure Rules (Estimated 1-5 hours).
- Preparation and submitting your claim: Assist in obtaining additional evidence (e.g., expert reports, witness statements) and prepare and submit your claim. (Estimated 3-5 hours)
- Case management/Court Attendance/Trial: Manging the case while complying with court directions, mediation, preparation for trial and attendance at trial. (Estimated 5-30 hours)
- Next Steps: Advise on the claim outcome and explore enforcement options following a successful judgment (Estimated 1-5 hours).
What Is Not Included
The quoted fees do not cover:
- Additional applications.
- Enforcement costs.
- Costs ordered to be paid to other parties.
- Assistance with appeals for dismissed claims.
What Are Disbursements?
Disbursements are third-party expenses incurred during your case. We will manage these payments on your behalf for convenience. Examples include:
- Court fees.
- Counsel’s fees.
- Expert fees.
- Mediator’s costs.
- Travel expenses for court hearings, meetings, or mediation.
Defended Small Claims (Up to £10,000)
Handling a standard defended small claim without a counterclaim, witness statement preparation, or instructing counsel – charges may vary based on complexity and will be agreed upon in advance. Please visit GOV.UK for more information on court fees at Make a court claim for money: Court fees – GOV.UK.
The court fee is based on the amount you’re claiming, plus any interest.
| Claim amount | Fees |
| Up to £300 | £35 |
| £300.01 to £500 | £50 |
| £500.01 to £1,000 | £70 |
| £1,000.01 to £1,500 | £80 |
| £1,500.01 to £3,000 | £115 |
| £3,000.01 to £5,000 | £205 |
| £5,000.01 to £10,000 | £455 |
| £10,000.01 to £100,000 | 5% of the claim |
To calculate 5% of the value of the claim, take the amount you’re claiming and multiply it by 0.05. If necessary, round down the result to the nearest 1 pence.
The fee will be calculated for you if you make your claim online.
There would be additional disbursements to cover the Hearing fees depending on type and value of the claim and court fees for general applications and other related matters. Please find more information on Civil court fees (EX50) – GOV.UK.
Additional Services
Consent Order
| Our Charges | Disbursements | VAT (20%) |
| £100 | £119 | £20 |
Counterclaims
- Court fees for counterclaims follow the same scale as issue fees as per the value of the counterclaim.
- Our hourly rate will apply, and an estimate will be agreed upon in advance.
Costs of Enforcing a Judgment
| Service | Disbursements Estimated | Our Charges | VAT (20%) |
| Apply for enforcement of an award at County Court | £52 | £80 | £16 |
| Issuing a Warrant of control (recovery of a sum of money) | £91 | £80 | £16 |
| Issuing a Warrant of delivery (for goods) | £143 | £100 | £20 |
| Apply for enforcement of award in High Court | £78 | £100 | £20 |
| Sealing a writ of control (High Court) | £78 | £100 | £20 |
| Request further attempt to execute a warrant | £36 | £80 | £16 |
| Charging Order | £131 + Land Registry fee | £125 | £25 |
| Third-Party Debt Order | £131 | £115 | £23 |
| Order to Obtain Information via Court | £65 | £70 | £14 |
| Attachment of Earnings | £131(each defendant) | £100 | £20 |
Before You Proceed
- Claims below £10,000 are usually assigned to the small claims track, where only nominal fixed costs are recoverable.
- Interest and costs may increase the total debt amount, impacting court fees.
- These costs apply to straightforward cases and do not include enforcement actions like instructing bailiffs.
- Complex and defended claims and claims exceeding small claim limits would be charged on hourly rates. For more information please visit the civil litigation section of our service areas.
You may find detailed information on other court fees at Civil court fees (EX50) – GOV.UK.
Our fee includes:
- Taking your instructions and reviewing documentation
- Undertaking appropriate searches
- Sending a letter before action
- Receiving payment and sending onto you, 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
Timescales:
The timeline for resolving your matter, from initial discussions to final resolution, depends on the specifics of your case and its stage. While some factors, like court scheduling, are beyond our control, we strive for efficiency. If your case can be settled quickly through negotiations, resolution may occur in few months.
More complex cases requiring a final hearing could take several months. For those needing a full hearing, expect a timeline of about 12 to 18 months. This is just an estimate, and we will provide a more accurate timeline as we gather information and progress with your case. We are here to support you every step of the way.
Contact Us
If you require further information, AQ Archers is here to help. Contact us for an initial discussion to explore your legal options and arrange a consultation.
Call: 020 7791 3223
Email: info@aqarchers.co.uk
Our dedicated team of solicitors is committed to resolving your disputes efficiently and effectively, ensuring the best possible outcome for you.
