Debt Recovery Lawyers Melbourne & Gold Coast
Efficient, results-driven debt recovery for individuals, businesses, and mercantile agencies. From letters of demand through to court proceedings and enforcement, we aim to recover your money.
Who we work with
Businesses owed money: Whether it's a single unpaid invoice or a pattern of late-paying customers, we act quickly to recover what you're owed and put structures in place to reduce the risk of it happening again.
Individuals owed money: Personal loans, unpaid debts, or amounts owed under private agreements. We help you take the right steps to recover your money without unnecessary delay.
Mercantile agencies and debt collection firms: We work alongside mercantile agencies to escalate matters that require legal action, from issuing proceedings through to enforcement and insolvency steps.
What we help with
Our debt recovery lawyers assist with a wide range of recovery and enforcement matters, including:
Legal advice for general debt recovery
Letters of demand
Issuing court proceedings (Magistrates' Court, County Court, and Supreme Court)
Default judgment applications
Issuing bankruptcy notices and creditors' petitions
Statutory demands and wind-up applications
Negotiating payment plans and settlement agreements
Appointing the sheriff to seize property
Examination summonses and asset disclosure orders
Lodging caveats over real property
Garnishee orders
Instalment order applications
Preparing terms and conditions of trade
Reviewing and strengthening credit agreements and payment terms
What the process looks like
Step 1. Tell us who owes you money: Get in touch by phone or email. We'll review the debt, the supporting documents, and any communication with the debtor so far, and give you an honest assessment of recovery prospects.
Step 2. We recommend the best approach: Depending on the amount, the debtor's circumstances, and how they've responded, we'll advise on the most effective and cost-efficient pathway, whether that's a letter of demand, negotiation, or formal legal proceedings.
Step 3. We confirm costs and move quickly: You'll receive transparent pricing before we begin. Debt recovery is time-sensitive, so once you give us the go-ahead, we act fast.
Step 4. We pursue the debt on your behalf: Your lawyer manages the process from start to finish. That includes issuing demands, filing proceedings, attending court, and coordinating enforcement steps if needed. You'll be kept informed at every stage.
Step 5. Recovery and next steps: Once the debt is recovered or the matter is resolved, we confirm the outcome and advise on any steps to strengthen your position going forward, such as updated terms of trade or credit agreements.
Chasing an unpaid debt?
The longer you wait, the harder it gets to recover. Talk to one of our debt recovery lawyers today and find out the fastest, most cost-effective way to get your money back.
Melbourne Office: Level 3, 420 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
Gold Coast Office: Level 2, 194 Varsity Parade, Gold Coast QLD 4228
Phone: (03) 9647 2050
Email: admin@tmcollins.com.au
We aim to respond to all enquiries within one business day.
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It depends on the debtor and the approach. A letter of demand can sometimes resolve the matter within days. If court proceedings are required, it can take weeks to months depending on whether the debt is disputed. We'll give you a realistic timeframe based on your situation.
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In many cases, yes. Even smaller debts can be recovered cost-effectively, particularly through letters of demand or Magistrates' Court proceedings. We'll assess the amount owed against the likely costs and give you an honest recommendation.
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A letter of demand is a formal letter from a lawyer requiring the debtor to pay the outstanding amount within a specified timeframe. It signals that you're serious about recovery and often prompts payment without the need for court proceedings.
Corporate and Commercial Law FAQs
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Yes. We can review or prepare your terms and conditions of trade, credit agreements, and payment terms to give you stronger legal protections and make recovery easier if a debt does arise.
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A statutory demand is a formal notice requiring a company to pay a debt of $4,000 or more within 21 days. If the company fails to pay or apply to set it aside, it's presumed to be insolvent, which can be used as grounds to wind the company up. It's a powerful tool in commercial debt recovery.
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It depends on the complexity and the steps involved. Simple letters of demand can often be done on a fixed fee. Court proceedings and enforcement will depend on how far the matter needs to go. We provide transparent pricing upfront and in many cases, legal costs can be recovered from the debtor.
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If the debtor doesn't pay voluntarily after judgment, there are several enforcement options available, including appointing the sheriff to seize property, garnishee orders to redirect income or bank funds, examination summonses, and in some cases, bankruptcy or winding-up proceedings.