Someone owes me money. How do I get it back?

General information from Lawmateanz

Start by asking for the money in writing. A clear letter of demand stating the amount, why it's owed, and a deadline for payment is often enough to resolve it.

If that doesn't work, claims of up to $60,000 can go to the Disputes Tribunal, which is low-cost and doesn't usually involve lawyers. Larger claims go to the District Court (up to $350,000) or the High Court.

Keep evidence such as invoices, contracts, messages and bank records. Most debt claims must be brought within six years.

Winning a decision doesn't automatically mean you'll be paid. If the person still doesn't pay, you can apply to the court to enforce it, for example by deductions from their wages or seizing assets.

If the debtor is a company, a statutory demand may be an option. A debt recovery lawyer can tell you which approach is most cost-effective.

Written by Lawmateanz, not by a lawyer. General information only, not legal advice about your situation. For advice about your own matter, talk to a lawyer.

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General information only. Answers are written by independent lawyers based only on what's in the question. They aren't legal advice about your situation and don't create a lawyer–client relationship. For advice about your own matter, talk to a lawyer directly.