The limitation period for collection of debts is 6 years from the date the debt became payable and after that time they may become statute barred. This means that the debt is no longer recoverable, including by legal action in the courts.
However, it is always worth checking that your debt is actually statute barred. If any of the following apply, then it might not be:
- Have any payments been made towards the debt in the last 6 years?
- Has the debtor contacted you to find out the balance owing or to acknowledge the debt in any way in writing?
- Has Court action been taken already?
Whilst the debt might not be recoverable through the Court, we can still send the debtor a letter to try to collect these amounts owed to you on your behalf. Whilst legal proceedings may not be pursued, there is no harm in sending a letter and you may even get back more than what you were owed in the first place!
Further, if you have any business-to-business debts that were paid late – did you claim Late Payment Compensation, Interest and Recovery under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998? If the answer is no, let us have the details and we can seek to recover the compensation that you are owed.
Speak to our expert in Debt Recovery, Laura Charles on 01283 526210 or via email onlaura.charles@elselaw.co.uk for more information on how we can help you.
