26th September 2013, 10:44 AM
RedEarth Wrote:Rather than small claims court, which is expensive and time consuming, get your solicitors to write a letter threatening further action - very low cost and very effective. You do have solicitor's don't you?
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I have used the small claims court on a couple of occasions (neither time was to do with my archaeology work) and both times it was neither time consuming or expensive as it's designed to negate the need for paying a solicitor. You can file your claims online and the fee is both nominal and can be added to the costs for the defendant. I won my case both times, the first time I had to attend the court and the second time they settled before going to court. It's much more effective when a notice of intended court proceedings falls on the mat. Cheaper than a solicitors letter and more effective. When you win the court also has powers to do helpful things like freeze all their assets until they pay (if necessary).
Unless stated on your invoices you can only add statutory interest, but you are entitled to also raise penalty invoices too. You would need to check but I believe you can still chase unpaid invoices and issue penalties backdated for 6 years.
This is a great resource of information:
http://payontime.co.uk/late-payment-legi...alculators