DISPUTE RESOLUTION · DEBT RECOVERY

Unpaid debt? Move early before recovery becomes harder.

Clear demand. Strong evidence. Proportionate enforcement.

Canterbury Legal helps businesses and individuals recover unpaid debts using a strategy matched to the value, evidence and debtor position.

Talk to us before the debt goes stale

Early advice helps identify the legal position, preserve evidence and choose a proportionate response.

Early advice can preserve options, evidence and negotiating leverage.

We can help with…

  • demand letters and negotiation

  • contract and invoice disputes

  • statutory demands where appropriate

  • court proceedings and judgment

  • enforcement and insolvency options
From early advice to resolution

How we help with debt recovery.

Debt assessment

Review the documents, amount, debtor and any dispute.

Formal demand

Set out the claim clearly and create a record for escalation.

Negotiation

Test payment proposals and settlement options.

Court claim

Issue proceedings where payment is not forthcoming.

Judgment enforcement

Consider available enforcement mechanisms after judgment.

Insolvency options

Assess statutory demand or insolvency routes where appropriate.
Debt Recovery

People who can help.

Strategic dispute support for debt recovery.

Sydney Austin

Associate – Litigation

Terena Te Whaiti

Senior Solicitor - Litigation

Matthew Bowen

Solicitor

What happens next.

  1. We assess the position and identify immediate legal and practical risks.

  2. We gather the key documents and evidence needed to understand the dispute.

  3. We set a strategy based on urgency, value, commercial objectives and likely outcomes.

  4. We engage with the other side and test realistic resolution options.

  5. If needed, we escalate formally through the appropriate dispute process.

Related dispute services

Civil & commercial disputes
Deal with contested debts and underlying contract issues.

Personal & commercial insolvency
Assess recovery where the debtor may be insolvent.

Shareholder & business owner disputes
Resolve internal disputes involving money or control.

Useful debt recovery insights

Practical guidance on debt recovery, dispute strategy and resolution.

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Clear debt. Firm action. Better recovery.

If this issue is developing, early advice can preserve options and reduce avoidable cost.

Phone: +64 3 377 0792

Send enquiry.

Contact Form (#10)

Frequently asked questions.

Once normal payment follow-up is not working, or earlier if the amount is significant or the debtor disputes liability.

Not always. Invoices, emails, conduct and other records can be relevant. We assess the available evidence.

Sometimes, but it is not suitable for every debt, particularly where there is a genuine substantial dispute.

Depending on the debtor and assets, enforcement options may be available to pursue payment.

That depends on the amount, evidence, debtor solvency and likely enforcement prospects. We aim for a proportionate strategy.

Christchurch-Based Lawyers Serving Canterbury & New Zealand Since 1991

CL LOGO WHITE LSCPE

Clear, strategic legal advice for property, business, personal planning and dispute resolution across Canterbury.

Christchurch Office

Canterbury Legal Building
Level 2, Durham Street South
Christchurch Central 8011, New Zealand

Office Hours

Monday–Friday, 8:30am–5:00pm

Parking & Access

Client parking nearby. Wheelchair accessible building.

Contact

Phone: +64 3 377 0792

Personal

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View all Property Law services →

Canterbury Legal is a Christchurch-based law firm providing legal services in property law, business and commercial law, personal legal planning, trusts, estates, incorporated societies, and dispute resolution throughout Canterbury and New Zealand.

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