Money owed to you? How to get it back in the UK
Quick answer
- Gather your evidence: contract, invoices, messages.
- Send a letter before action (letter before claim) and give time to pay.
- If they still don’t pay, make a court claim, often online.
- If you win and they still don’t pay, ask the court to enforce the judgment.
This guide covers England and Wales.
How long do I have to recover a debt?
For most debts under a contract, you have 6 years from when the money was due to start a court claim. After that, the claim is usually time-barred.
Don’t wait
Some claims have shorter time limits. The sooner you act, the easier it is to recover the money.
Step 1: Send a letter before action
Before going to court, you must usually send a formal letter before action saying:
- how much is owed and why
- what you want them to do
- the deadline to pay
If a business is chasing an individual (including a sole trader), special rules apply. The debtor normally gets 30 days to reply.
Step 2: Make a court claim
If they still don’t pay, you can issue a claim in the County Court. Many simple money claims can be made online. You pay a court fee, which you can usually add to your claim.
The other side can pay, admit, defend, or ignore it. If they ignore it, you can usually get judgment in default.
Small claims court
Most claims of £10,000 or less go to the small claims track. It’s simpler, but you usually can’t recover much in legal costs, even if you win.
Step 3: Enforce the judgment (CCJ)
If they still don’t pay, the court can help, for example by:
- sending enforcement agents (bailiffs)
- taking money from their wages
- placing a charge on their property
- freezing money in their bank account
Tip
Before you start, ask: can they actually pay? A judgment against someone with no money may not be worth the cost.
FAQs
What is a letter before action?
A formal letter warning that you will start court proceedings if the debt is not paid by a deadline.
Can I charge interest on a debt?
Often, yes, either under your contract or by law. The rate depends on your situation.
What if they say they don’t owe the money?
The claim becomes defended, and the court will decide, often after a mediation attempt.
Need help recovering money?
We help individuals and small businesses recover debts, from the first letter to enforcement. See our civil litigation services or contact us.
This article is general information about the law at the date of publication. It is not legal advice and should not be relied on for your situation. The law and Home Office or court procedures may change. Please contact us for advice on your circumstances.
