Navigating non-payment in B2B legal arbitration can be a complex and challenging process for companies. It is crucial to have a well-defined recovery system in place and consider recommendations for legal action to protect company funds. This article explores key strategies and steps to effectively handle non-payment issues in the B2B sector.
Key Takeaways
- Implement a 3-phase Recovery System to efficiently recover company funds.
- Consider closure of the case if recovery is unlikely after thorough investigation.
- Evaluate the option of proceeding with legal action carefully, considering costs and potential outcomes.
- Understand the upfront legal costs involved in litigation and make an informed decision.
- Explore competitive collection rates based on the number and age of claims submitted.
Recovery System for Company Funds
Phase One
Within the first 24 hours of initiating Phase One, a multi-pronged approach is deployed to secure company funds. Immediate action is taken to ensure that the debtor is aware of the outstanding debt and the urgency of resolution. A series of four letters is dispatched, and extensive skip-tracing is conducted to gather the most up-to-date financial and contact information.
- The debtor receives the first letter via US Mail.
- Skip-tracing and investigations commence to locate the debtor’s assets.
- Daily attempts are made through phone calls, emails, text messages, and faxes to reach a settlement.
If these persistent efforts do not yield a resolution within 30 to 60 days, the case escalates seamlessly to Phase Two, involving legal expertise within the debtor’s jurisdiction. This transition is crucial for maintaining momentum and applying legal pressure to recover the owed funds.
Phase Two
Upon escalation to Phase Two, the case is transferred to a local attorney within our network. Immediate action is taken to assert the seriousness of the situation to the debtor. The attorney drafts a series of demand letters and initiates phone contact, reinforcing the urgency of payment.
- The attorney’s first letter is dispatched promptly.
- Persistent phone attempts complement the written demands.
If these intensified efforts do not yield a resolution, a strategic decision is required. The path forward hinges on the debtor’s response and the viability of recovery. A recommendation is prepared, outlining potential closure or the necessity of Phase Three.
The focus is on clear communication and decisive action, ensuring that every step taken is aimed at recovering the owed funds efficiently.
Phase Three
Upon reaching Phase Three, the path forward becomes clear. Two distinct options emerge: closure of the case or initiation of litigation. The decision hinges on a comprehensive analysis of the debtor’s assets and the facts of the case.
- If recovery appears unlikely, closure is advised, absolving you of any financial obligation to our firm or affiliated attorneys.
- Conversely, choosing litigation necessitates upfront legal costs, typically ranging from $600 to $700.
The choice is yours: withdraw and owe nothing, or invest in legal action with the potential for full recovery.
Our fee structure is straightforward and competitive, rewarding successful collections with a percentage-based rate. The rates vary depending on the age of the account, the amount owed, and the number of claims.
| Claims Submitted | Accounts < 1 Year | Accounts > 1 Year | Accounts < $1000 | Attorney Placed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1-9 | 30% | 40% | 50% | 50% |
| 10+ | 27% | 35% | 40% | 50% |
Remember, the goal is to maximize recovery while minimizing costs. Choose wisely, with the facts and potential outcomes in mind.
Recommendations for Legal Action
Closure of the Case
When the path to recovery becomes untenable, closure of the case is a pragmatic step. It’s a decision that hinges on the meticulous assessment of the debtor’s assets and the likelihood of successful recovery. If deemed unfeasible, the case is closed, absolving clients from further financial obligations to the firm or affiliated attorneys.
Closure does not equate to defeat but rather a strategic withdrawal, preserving resources for more viable claims. Clients may opt for standard collection activities as an alternative, which include:
- Persistent communication efforts (calls, emails, faxes)
- Continued monitoring of debtor’s financial status
- Periodic reassessment of the case for potential action
The decision to close a case should be weighed against the potential for recovery and the costs involved. It’s a balance of financial prudence and strategic foresight.
Should litigation be recommended and the client decides to proceed, upfront legal costs are required. These costs, typically ranging from $600 to $700, are necessary for filing a lawsuit and initiating the legal process. In the event that litigation does not yield the desired outcome, the case is closed with no additional fees charged.
Proceeding with Legal Action
When the decision to pursue legal action is made, it’s crucial to understand the financial commitment involved. Upfront legal costs are a necessary expenditure, typically ranging from $600 to $700. These fees cover court costs, filing fees, and other related expenses. Upon payment, our affiliated attorney initiates the lawsuit to recover all monies owed, including the cost of litigation itself.
Success in litigation is not guaranteed, and should efforts fail, the case will be closed with no further financial obligation to our firm or the affiliated attorney. It’s a risk-reward scenario where the potential for full recovery must be weighed against the upfront investment.
The decision to litigate is a significant one, with both financial and strategic implications. It should be made after careful consideration of the debtor’s assets and the likelihood of recovery.
Here’s a brief overview of our rates for collection services:
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For 1-9 claims:
- Accounts under 1 year: 30% of the amount collected.
- Accounts over 1 year: 40% of the amount collected.
- Accounts under $1000.00: 50% of the amount collected.
- Accounts placed with an attorney: 50% of the amount collected.
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For 10 or more claims:
- Accounts under 1 year: 27% of the amount collected.
- Accounts over 1 year: 35% of the amount collected.
- Accounts under $1000.00: 40% of the amount collected.
- Accounts placed with an attorney: 50% of the amount collected.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Recovery System for Company Funds?
The Recovery System for Company Funds consists of three phases: Phase One involves sending letters to debtors, skip-tracing, and attempting to contact debtors. Phase Two includes forwarding the case to affiliated attorneys for legal action. Phase Three offers recommendations for either closing the case or proceeding with litigation.
What happens if the possibility of recovery is not likely in Phase Three?
If the possibility of recovery is not likely in Phase Three, the recommendation may be to close the case, and there will be no obligations to pay the firm or affiliated attorney. Alternatively, if litigation is recommended, the client can decide whether to proceed with legal action or not.
What are the upfront legal costs if the client decides to proceed with legal action in Phase Three?
If the client decides to proceed with legal action in Phase Three, they will be required to pay upfront legal costs such as court costs and filing fees, which typically range from $600.00 to $700.00 depending on the debtor’s jurisdiction.
What are the collection rates offered by DCI for different types of accounts?
DCI provides competitive collection rates based on the number of claims submitted within the first week of placing the first account. Rates vary for accounts under 1 year in age, accounts over 1 year in age, accounts under $1000.00, and accounts placed with an attorney.
What actions are taken in Phase One of the Recovery System for Company Funds?
In Phase One, letters are sent to debtors, skip-tracing and investigation of debtors are conducted, and attempts are made to contact debtors using various methods such as phone calls, emails, and faxes. If all attempts fail, the case proceeds to Phase Two.
What occurs in Phase Two of the Recovery System for Company Funds?
In Phase Two, the case is forwarded to affiliated attorneys who send letters to debtors demanding payment and attempt to contact debtors. If efforts to resolve the account fail, the client is informed of the issues and recommendations for the next steps.
