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Debt Recovery – Step by step Guide for businesses and individuals

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What you need to know about the Debt recovery – Step by step Guide for Businesses and Individuals by Bogdan Slatineanu, Lawyer specialized in Commercial law & others

What is a Debt Recovery and when does it apply?

Debt recovery is the process of collecting payments from individuals or businesses that owe money to a creditor, when those payments are overdue. It involves various steps to reclaim the outstanding debt, which can include communication, negotiation, and legal action.
Late payments and outstanding debts can severely impact your cash flow, disrupt business operations, and cause unnecessary stress. You’ve tried reminders, calls, and follow-ups, but nothing seems to work. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Many businesses face these challenges, wasting time chasing payments instead of focusing on growth. At Integrated, we understand the frustration when debt is not paid and the burden overdue accounts can place on your business. That’s why we offer tailored, efficient debt recovery solutions. We get the recovery process right, so your team can focus on what’s more important.
Whether you are an entrepreneur, a supplier, a service provider or an individual, you may at some point be faced with an unpaid debt. Be it an unpaid invoice, an unpaid personal loan, or a refused contractual debt. Unfortunately, the longer you delay, the greater the chances of that debt becoming irrecoverable.


In this article, I explain step by step how to legally recover a debt in Romania, what you need to know, what documents are required and when it’s time to contact a lawyer.
With several decades of experience, we offer reliable debt recovery in various industries...

Who Can We Help With Debt Recovery?

– Healthcare
– Finance and banking
– Insurance
– Telecommunications
– Automotive
– Energy
– Legal
– Building and construction
– Real estate
– Professional services businesses

Amicable stage – Payment notification

Before going to court, it is recommended (and often procedurally mandatory) to try an amicable solution.

What you need to do:

  • Send a written notice (by mail with acknowledgement of receipt or e-mail with proof);
  • Clearly state the amount owed, the contractual basis and the payment deadline (usually 5–15 days);
  • Specify that, in the absence of payment, you will take action in court and request legal costs.

>>> Sometimes, a simple notice drafted by a lawyer can convince the debtor to pay, avoiding a costly trial.

Legal stage – Court action

If the debtor does not pay within the given deadline, the formal stage follows. Depending on the amount, the procedure can be carried out as follows:

  • Low value request (under 2000 euro)
    • Simplified procedure, reduced costs;
    • It is carried out in writing, without a classic trial period;
    • Estimated duration: 2–4 months.
  • Payment order (for certain, liquid and due claims)
    • Fast, efficient – ​​only if there are no real disputes between the parties;
    • If the debtor does not contest, payment can be imposed by enforceable judgment;
    • Ideal for invoices, rents, services, clear contracts.
  • Classic – civil action
    • For contested claims, in more complex disputes;
    • May involve evidence, witnesses, expert opinions;
    • Duration: 6–18 months on average.

Final stage – Law Enforcement

Once a court decision is obtained, enforcement is carried out through a bailiff.
Possible means of enforcement:

  • Licking of the debtor’s bank accounts;
  • Seizure and sale of movable/immovable property;
  • Direct collection from third parties (e.g. the debtor’s clients).

>>> I constantly collaborate with bailiffs to obtain the rapid and legal recovery of the amounts owed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer online consultancy?
Yes. Many clients outside Bucharest or in the diaspora prefer online advice. We can schedule a video, telephone or e-mail meeting, depending on the complexity of the case.
What Does Debt Recovery Include?
Recovery services include:

- Reminder calls and letters – Process serving
- Recovering outstanding debts
- Sending letters of demand, email demands, telephone demands, SMS demands.
- Locations and skip tracing of missing persons
- Legal document service
- Door knocks and field services
- Monitoring payment arrangements
When To Use Debt Recovery Lawyer
You should consider using a debt recovery collection agency when your attempts to collect outstanding payments have been unsuccessful, and the debtor has not responded to reminders or payment plans. Engaging a debt recovery agent is particularly helpful when:

- Payment Is Overdue Beyond Terms: When an invoice remains unpaid for an extended period past the agreed payment terms, and your efforts to recover it have failed.
- Debtor Avoids Communication: If your debtor is avoiding contact or repeatedly ignores payment requests, a debt recovery collection agency can use specialised tools and strategies to re-establish communication and encourage repayment.
- Internal Resources Are Stretched: If your team lacks the time, expertise, or resources to handle debt recovery effectively, outsourcing to a dedicated agency can help streamline the process and allow your staff to focus on core business activities.
- Complex Debt Situations: For complex cases involving disputes, large sums of money, aged debt, or legal proceedings, a debt recovery collection agency has the expertise and legal knowledge to address such challenges appropriately.
- Skip Tracing Is Required: When the debtor’s contact information is no longer valid and they are difficult to locate, debt recovery agencies have access to tools and databases that make skip tracing more effective.
- Avoiding Bad Debt Write-Offs: When you want to avoid writing off a debt as a loss, engaging a debt recovery agent can help increase the chances of recovering your money.
- Need for Professional Services: Debt recovery companies have skilled professionals trained in negotiation and understanding debtor behaviour. Their experience can lead to better outcomes, especially in cases that require a nuanced approach.
How Long Does Debt Recovery Take?
The duration of debt recovery can vary based on several factors, such as the age of the debt, the debtor’s responsiveness, and the complexity of the case. Simple cases may be resolved within weeks, while more complex or disputed debts could take months. Typically, our goal is to recover debts as quickly and efficiently as possible. Contact us for an assessment of your specific situation to get a clearer timeline.
Is There A Minimum Amount Of Debt Recovery?
There is generally no minimum debt recovery amount. Integrated works with organisations of all sizes and works on a No Collection, No Commission rule. Contact us to discuss your specific needs, and we can advise on whether pursuing recovery for the debt is feasible.
How Do I Get Started With The Debt Recovery Process?
Whether it’s consumer or commercial debt, our process is straightforward. To get started, we need to first understand your specific collection needs. We need basic information, like the age, nature, and volume of your outstanding accounts.

Contact our office to discuss your case, and we will provide the necessary engagement forms. Once we receive the completed forms, along with copies of proof of debt, such as, outstanding invoices and any supporting documents (e.g., contracts, credit applications, purchase orders), we will initiate action on your accounts.

Alternative solutions: Mediation or assisted negotiation

In some cases, an amicable settlement is preferable to a lengthy process. I can mediate negotiations and draft a legal payment commitment, secured by a mortgage, promissory note or other form of legal security.

Documents required for debt recovery

  • Signed contract (or proof of commercial relationship);
  • Invoices, receipts, payment orders;
  • Correspondence (emails, messages);
  • Notifications sent;
  • Other documents proving the existence and value of the debt.

Conclusion: Don’t let debts expire. Take action!

Claims are time – barred within 3 years of the due date, sometimes even earlier. Postponing the action may mean the permanent loss of the right to recover that amount. If you have a debt to recover – regardless of the amount or complexity, I can offer you a fast and efficient legal solution. Contact me for a free initial evaluation.

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