Information only — this matter needs a solicitor. OnlineLegalServices.ie is operated by Plus Promotions Limited, which is not a solicitor’s practice and does not give legal advice or take on cases. This page is a general guide.
To instruct a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory. For self-complete documents, see our legal templates.
If your business or you personally are owed money that another party is refusing to pay, this guide explains the non-court steps you can take yourself, including our self-complete demand letter templates. If you need professional legal support to recover what you are owed, instruct a solicitor through the Law Society’s Find a Solicitor directory.
When Do You Need a Debt Recovery Solicitor in Ireland?
Debt recovery situations arise more frequently than most businesses expect. Common scenarios where professional legal support is needed include:
- Unpaid invoices from clients or customers who are ignoring payment reminders
- Outstanding loans or money owed under a personal agreement
- Rent arrears owed by a tenant
- Money owed following a business dispute or failed contract
- Goods supplied but not paid for
Our Debt Recovery Process
We approach debt recovery in a structured, escalating way that maximises the chance of recovery while minimising unnecessary legal costs:
- Letter before action: A formal solicitor’s letter setting out the debt and demanding payment within a specified timeframe — this alone resolves the majority of cases
- Negotiated settlement: Where there is a dispute about the amount owed, a solicitor can negotiate a settlement on your behalf
- Court proceedings: If the debt remains unpaid, a solicitor can advise on and initiate proceedings in the appropriate court — Small Claims (under €2,000), District Court (up to €15,000), Circuit Court (up to €75,000), or High Court
- Enforcement: Once judgment is obtained, a solicitor can advise on enforcement options including attachment of earnings, instalment orders, or judgment mortgage
Commercial vs Personal Debt Recovery
The approach to debt recovery differs depending on whether you are recovering a business debt or a personal debt. Commercial debts between businesses may attract statutory interest under the European Communities (Late Payment in Commercial Transactions) Regulations. Personal debts are governed by different rules. The solicitor you instruct will advise on the applicable framework and the most efficient recovery strategy for your specific situation.
How It Works
- Submit your enquiry — Tell us about the debt: who owes it, how much, and on what basis
- Solicitor review — A qualified Irish solicitor assesses the claim and issues a quote
- Letter before action — A formal demand letter is issued to the debtor
- Escalation if needed — If payment is not made, a solicitor can advise on and initiate court proceedings
Why Choose Online Legal Services for Debt Recovery in Ireland?
- Prices: Know your legal costs upfront — no open-ended engagements
- Effective: A solicitor’s involvement significantly increases the likelihood of recovery without court action
- solicitor from the Law Society of Ireland directory: Work of this kind is carried out by a solicitor regulated by the Law Society of Ireland. We are not a solicitor’s practice and do not provide it — to instruct a solicitor, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
Also see our Debt Collection Letter Before Action service. Have questions about recovering a specific debt? Read our guide to a 30-minute consultation with a solicitor of your choice with a solicitor of your choice today.
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.