Debt Recovery Knowledge Centre

Most debts are resolved without a court hearing. Learn the practical alternatives that may help you recover what you're owed.

A straightforward, step-by-step walkthrough of the debt recovery process — from overdue invoice through to enforcement.

How old is too old? A look at limitation periods and what happens when you try to recover an older debt in Australia.

Practical steps Australian businesses can take to reduce the risk of bad debts before they happen.

The evidence that strengthens a debt recovery matter — from invoices and contracts to correspondence and records.

Understand the key differences between personal and business debts, and why the recovery approach for each can vary.

A clear explanation of commercial debt recovery in Australia — the process, the timelines, and how business-to-business debts differ.

A realistic look at how long each stage of debt recovery can take, from first reminder through to formal action.

When a debtor flatly refuses to pay, understanding your options — and when to seek help — can keep recovery on track.

What typically happens once a Letter of Demand is sent, how debtors respond, and the options available if payment is still not made.

Practical, respectful steps for recovering money lent to a friend or family member — without damaging the relationship.

One of the biggest frustrations in debt recovery is when the debtor appears to have disappeared. They may have moved, changed phone numbers, closed a business or simply stopped responding. Skip tracing is the lawful process of locating updated contact information so that recovery efforts can continue. This guide explains how skip tracing works in Australia, the free public information sources that may help, and what to do when a debtor seems to have vanished.

An unpaid invoice can quickly affect your cash flow and consume valuable time. Whether you're a sole trader, small business or larger organisation, knowing the right steps to take can significantly improve your chances of recovering the money you're owed. This guide explains the practical debt recovery process used by many Australian businesses, from following up overdue accounts through to legal action if required.

Lending money to friends or family often begins with trust and good intentions. Unfortunately, when repayments stop or excuses begin, these situations can quickly become stressful and emotionally challenging. Personal loans are one of the most common types of debt disputes in Australia. The good news is that an informal arrangement doesn't automatically mean the money can't be recovered. Even without a formal loan agreement, there may still be legal options available depending on the evidence you have. This guide explains the practical steps you can take if someone owes you money and refuses to repay it.

When someone refuses to pay an outstanding debt, it's tempting to immediately think about lawyers or court proceedings. In reality, one of the most effective first steps is often a well-written Letter of Demand. A Letter of Demand formally advises the debtor that money is owed, outlines what is required to resolve the matter, and provides an opportunity to pay before further recovery action is considered. Many debts are resolved after a properly drafted Letter of Demand, avoiding unnecessary legal costs and preserving business relationships where possible.

One of the most frustrating parts of chasing an unpaid debt is when the debtor simply disappears — calls go unanswered, emails receive no reply, and invoices remain unpaid. The good news is that silence doesn't necessarily mean the debt can't be recovered. This guide explains why debtors often stop communicating and the practical options that may be available.

Lending money to someone you care about often comes from a place of generosity and trust — but personal loans between friends and family can become some of the most emotionally difficult debts to recover. This guide explains the practical steps and legal options that may be available.

Australian law places time limits on debt recovery. Once a limitation period expires, a debt may become statute-barred and legal enforcement through the courts may no longer be available. This guide explains how limitation periods work across Australia and why acting early matters.