Court Fees

I have found this forum really helpful and alot of my questions have been answered.

I have a customer who is late paying two invoices by 4 weeks for the amount of £645 in total. All invoices have a pay by date and have the phrase "We reserve the right to claim interest on outstanding debts, in accordance with the Late Payments of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998. Applicable to all invoices" included.

The customer is avoiding my calls, emails and letters and we have decided to recover the debt via small claims. However, I know we have to pay a court fee in order to make the claim.

I understand that if the customer pays the invoice amount but compensation and interest is still owed then the invoices haven't been paid in full. But what happens regarding the court fee?

I know that the court will serve papers with the invoice amount, interest and compensation but will it include the court fee?

Many thanks,

Amanda

Hi Amanda

There will be a court fee for issuing the claim form but there might be further fees if the claim is disputed or if the judgement needs to be enforced. If you obtain judgement then the fees will be added to the debt owed.

There's lot to consider here. Have a look at this link which will help you weigh up what you wish to do next.

www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk/infoabout/claims/index.htm

Best wishes


Chris