How do I recover an unpaid debt in my city?

You have two options. You can handle it yourself using Claim Builder — answer a few questions, get a professional Letter Before Action and court-ready documents for £29.99. Or you can have it handled for you by a specialist who will assess your claim and manage the process. Most straightforward debts under £10,000 are suitable for the DIY route.

When should I have it handled for me instead of doing it myself?

Have it handled for you if the debt is large, the debtor is a company with hidden assets, the case involves complex evidence, or you already have a judgment and need enforcement. A specialist can also help if the debtor has stopped responding entirely. For straightforward unpaid invoices and smaller debts, the DIY pack is usually the faster and more cost-effective option.

How much does debt recovery cost?

The DIY Debt Recovery Pack costs £29.99 — a one-off payment with no subscription. This includes a personalised Letter Before Action, case strength report, evidence checklist, and step-by-step guidance. If you choose to have it handled for you, the initial case review is free. The specialist will then quote based on the complexity and value of your case. Court fees are separate and depend on the amount claimed.

How do I recover an unpaid debt?

You have two clear options. Build your document pack with Claim Builder — answer a few questions, get a professional Letter Before Action and court-ready documents for £29.99. Or request a free case review from a specialist who will assess your claim and advise on the best approach. Most straightforward debts under £10,000 are suitable for the structured route.

When should I use a specialist instead of using the document pack?

Use a specialist if the debt is large, the debtor is a company with hidden assets, the case involves complex evidence, or you already have a judgment and need enforcement. A specialist can also help if the debtor has stopped responding entirely. For straightforward unpaid invoices and smaller debts, the document pack is usually the faster and more cost-effective option.

How much does debt recovery cost?

The Debt Recovery Pack costs £49.99 — a one-off payment with no subscription. This includes a personalised Letter Before Action, case strength report, evidence checklist, and step-by-step guidance. If you choose the specialist route, the initial case review is free. The specialist will then quote based on the complexity and value of your case. Court fees are separate and depend on the amount claimed.

What court handles debt claims?

Claims can be filed online via Money Claims Online (MCOL) or in person at your local County Court. The small claims track handles amounts up to £10,000 with no solicitor required. For larger claims, the fast track or multi-track may apply depending on the amount and complexity.

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Debt Recovery

Debt Recovery Aberdeen

Scotland — Different Legal FrameworkDebt Recovery — Aberdeen

Recover a debt in Aberdeen — or have it handled for you

Take action with a professional document set from £49.99 — or have a specialist handle the recovery properly.

Choose how you want to proceed

Two clear paths. Both get results. Pick the one that suits you.

Handle it yourself

Build your claim and take action yourself with structured, ready-to-use documents.

Structured document set
Letter Before Action
Enforcement guidance
Court-ready documents
Instant PDF download

Have it handled for you

Experienced specialists handle your case — no need to manage it yourself.

Specialist handles recovery
No need to manage the process
Free initial assessment
Honest guidance on your case
Complex cases managed end-to-end

Debt Recovery in Aberdeen

Debt recovery in Aberdeen

Aberdeen is the energy capital of the UK and one of Europe's most important oil and gas hubs. The city's offshore energy sector — anchored by BP, Shell, TotalEnergies, and a dense network of service companies, engineering firms, and logistics operators — creates a substantial B2B invoice landscape with high average contract values, complex procurement processes, and extended payment terms.

Critically, Aberdeen operates under Scots law, which is distinct from English law for debt recovery purposes. The Sheriff Court system, not the county court, handles civil claims in Scotland. This makes it essential to understand the correct procedure before pursuing a debt, and for larger claims, a specialist with Scots law experience is strongly recommended.

Aberdeen's renewable energy transition — particularly around offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture — is creating a new and growing source of B2B invoice disputes as new supply chains form and payment terms are established. The city's construction sector and professional services community also generate a steady stream of invoice and retainer disputes.

Local Context

Aberdeen's energy sector — concentrated around the Energy Capital of Europe branding and the offshore supply base at Peterhead — generates high-value engineering and logistics invoice disputes. The city centre professional services community around Union Street and the West End produces retainer and consulting fee arrears. The renewables transition cluster around Aberdeen Harbour and the new Energy Transition Zone creates engineering and construction subcontractor debt. Aberdeen Sheriff Court handles commercial claims across the north-east of Scotland. For debts under £5,000, the document pack is suitable. Above that, a Scots law specialist is strongly advised.

Court filing note

Scotland uses the Sheriff Court system. Aberdeen Sheriff Court on Castle Street handles Simple Procedure claims up to £5,000 and Summary Cause claims from £5,000 to £100,000. The Court of Session in Edinburgh handles large commercial claims. Enforcement is through Sheriff Officers, not HMCTS bailiffs.

Which path is right for you?

Not sure which route to take?

Use ClaimBuilder when:

Simple cases with clear evidence
Want fast action — documents ready same day
Debt under £10,000 and straightforward
Prefer to stay in control of the process
Cost-effective solution at £29.99

Have it handled when:

The debt exceeds £5,000 and Sheriff Court Summary Cause or Court of Session proceedings are needed
You are dealing with a high-value oil and gas contract with NDA-covered work or formal procurement
The case involves a complex engineering dispute on a North Sea or renewables project
You need enforcement through Sheriff Officers rather than HMCTS bailiffs
The debtor is a major energy company with sophisticated legal and procurement teams

Simple Process

How debt recovery works in Aberdeen

Three straightforward steps — whether you choose to handle it yourself or have it handled for you.

Assess your case

Describe your situation — who owes you money, how much, and what evidence you have. In minutes, you will see your case strength and the best path forward.

Choose your path

For straightforward debts, build your professional Letter Before Action and court documents using the structured pack from £49.99. For complex or high-value cases, request a free review from a specialist who can handle the process for you.

Take formal action

Send your Letter Before Action and give the debtor 14 days to respond. If they do not pay, proceed to the Sheriff Court. Most debts are resolved at the LBA stage without ever reaching court.

Local Scenarios

Common debt recovery situations in Aberdeen

Illustrative examples of the types of cases that arise in the Aberdeen market.

Oil and gas services invoice in AB12

An Aberdeen engineering services firm completed a 16-week subsea inspection contract for a North Sea operator. Invoices totalling £53,000 are 90 days overdue with the operator citing internal project closeout delays.

Renewables consultancy dispute

A specialist energy consultancy delivered a 12-week feasibility study for an offshore wind developer. The £28,000 final invoice has been disputed on deliverable grounds not raised during the project.

Professional services retainer in the city centre

An Aberdeen-based legal technology firm ran a 6-month contract management retainer for an energy company. Two monthly invoices remain unpaid after the client's contract manager changed.

FAQ