Debt recovery starts with the contractual basis, performance and the debtor's position. An invoice is important evidence but does not answer every dispute about delivery, acceptance, defects or set-off. We assess payment claims, interest, evidence and practical enforceability before selecting the appropriate procedure.
What we assess
Negotiation, formal demand, payment-order proceedings and ordinary litigation have different uses. Where objections are predictable, a procedural shortcut may merely delay the substantive dispute. Limitation, security, debtor solvency and enforcement prospects should inform the strategy from the outset.
Four practical examples
Illustrative scenarios, not accounts of client matters. The appropriate response depends on the documents, applicable law and procedural position.
An unpaid delivery
A supplier has delivered goods but the customer disputes quality. Delivery, inspection and complaint records are reviewed alongside the contract. The claim should address substantiated objections rather than relying on the invoice alone.
An instalment proposal
A debtor offers staged payments. A written arrangement should clarify amounts, dates, security and the effect of default. The creditor must also consider whether accepting the proposal changes existing rights or limitation issues.
A claim nearing limitation
The business has been negotiating for some time. We establish the relevant dates and whether any suspension or other effect can safely be relied on. A protective procedural step may be needed independently of continuing discussions.
A debtor with uncertain assets
Before incurring further costs, available information about solvency and enforcement is reviewed. A favourable judgment is only part of recovery; the route should be commercially proportionate to the prospects of payment.
Documents that help
Contracts, orders, invoices, delivery or acceptance records, reminders, objections and information about the debtor and available security.
From assessment to the next step
We first distinguish established facts from disputed allegations and identify any step needed to preserve rights. The legal route is then assessed against the commercial objective, available evidence and potential cost. Where technical or foreign-law input is required, responsibilities are coordinated before further work is commissioned. Negotiation, formal proceedings and practical implementation are considered together; a favourable legal position still needs a workable route to the intended result.
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Discuss your matter
Tell us the parties involved, your objective and any deadlines. Our main office is in Hanover, Lower Saxony. We advise on German-law matters nationwide and coordinate cross-border work with locally qualified counsel where required.
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We check conflicts and agree the scope and fees before accepting instructions. An enquiry alone does not create an engagement or preserve a deadline.