Disputes
Financial and Monetary Disputes
Whether you are owed money or someone says you owe them, a financial dispute can weigh heavily. We help you understand where you stand and how to move it forward.
Resolving disputes about money
Monetary disputes range from unpaid invoices and informal loans to disagreements about the sums due under an agreement. They can arise between individuals, between businesses, or between a business and a customer.
If you are owed money, the aim is usually to recover it as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. If you are facing a demand, the priority is to understand whether the sum is genuinely owed and what your options are.
Before court proceedings are started against an individual, including a sole trader, the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims requires the creditor to send a letter of claim with specific information and to allow the debtor time to respond.
Common situations
- A customer or client has not paid an invoice
- Money lent to a friend, relative or business partner has not been repaid
- Disputes about the amount owed under an agreement
- You have received a letter before action or a demand for payment
- Disagreements about refunds, deposits or overpayments
- Statutory demands or threatened insolvency proceedings
Your options and next steps
For money owed to you, a clear, properly prepared letter before action is often enough to prompt payment or a payment plan. If not, a court claim can be issued, and many simple debt claims can be started online.
If a judgment is obtained but not paid, there are several enforcement options, such as instructing enforcement agents, an attachment of earnings order or a charging order. Choosing the right method depends on what the debtor has.
If you are facing a demand, do not ignore it. You may dispute the debt, propose a payment plan, or seek free debt advice if the debt is genuine but you cannot pay. Ignoring a claim can lead to a county court judgment being entered against you.
Documents and evidence that may help
You do not need to have everything before you contact us, but the following can help us understand your situation more quickly:
- Any written agreement, invoice or loan note
- Bank statements or transfer records showing payments
- Messages or emails acknowledging the debt
- Any letters of claim, demands or court papers received
- A statement of account showing what has been paid and what is outstanding
- Information about the other party’s address and circumstances
How we assess your enquiry
- Tell us what happened. Use the enquiry form, call or email with a short summary.
- We review the details. We may ask a few questions or request key documents.
- We explain your options. Including whether your matter is one we can help with.
- You decide. Nothing goes further until you have agreed the scope of any work and any fees, confirmed in writing.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to recover a debt?
Most debts must be pursued through the courts within six years. A written acknowledgement or part payment can restart the time period in some situations.
Can I recover money I lent to a family member?
Possibly. Where there was no written agreement, the court will look at the evidence to decide whether the money was a loan or a gift and what was agreed about repayment.
What is a county court judgment (CCJ)?
A CCJ is a court order requiring payment. If it is not paid within a month, it is recorded on the Register of Judgments and can affect the person’s ability to obtain credit.
What should I do if I receive a statutory demand?
Act quickly. There are short deadlines for applying to set aside a statutory demand, and ignoring one can lead to bankruptcy or winding-up proceedings.
Please note: this page gives general information based on the law of England and Wales. Different rules can apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is not legal advice and should not be relied on for your particular situation. Every matter depends on its own facts, and no outcome or level of compensation can be guaranteed.
Free initial consultation
Tell us briefly what has happened and we will explain your possible next steps.
Respond, don’t ignore
If you have received a demand or court papers, deadlines may apply. Contact us promptly with copies of what you received.
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Talk to us about your situation
A free initial consultation gives you the chance to explain what has happened and understand your options, with no obligation to go further.
