Check the recipient, debt and service
Identify who is named as debtor, who is demanding payment, the alleged legal basis, the amount, how and when the demand was served and whether it concerns an individual or a company. Different rules apply. Do not assume a company debt becomes personally enforceable without a legal basis.
Act on deadlines immediately
For an individual statutory demand in England and Wales, an application to set it aside generally must be made within 18 days of service, and the creditor may generally present a bankruptcy petition after 21 days if the statutory conditions are met. Specific rules and exceptions can apply. Obtain urgent qualified advice about the correct procedure; our document preparation does not extend or stop time.
Examine the source of the claimed debt
Reconcile invoices, guarantees, judgments, ledger entries, payments, assignment notices and relevant correspondence. Identify the exact disputed transactions and documentary gaps without asserting a defence before the underlying documents have been checked.
What to send immediately
The entire demand and service information, creditor correspondence, agreements or guarantees, statements, payment records, any court papers and the date of the next step. Preserve envelopes and evidence of receipt.
What Wolfe & Black can do
Prepare an urgent chronology, document index, disputed-sum schedule and factual briefing pack for the director or their authorised adviser. We do not conduct reserved litigation or make court applications on your behalf.
Related director case preparation
Wolfe & Black is an independent case-preparation consultancy, not a firm of solicitors, an insolvency practitioner or a regulated tax adviser. We do not undertake reserved legal activities, conduct litigation, exercise rights of audience or guarantee outcomes. Seek appropriately qualified legal, insolvency or tax advice where required.