Customer won't pay — reminder, debt collection, or a lawyer straight away?
An invoice is overdue and the customer isn't responding: what actually helps now — your own reminder, a debt collection agency, or instructing a lawyer — and what matters most.
An invoice has long been due, you may already have sent a reminder yourself — and still no money arrives. Now the question is: is another reminder enough, is a debt collection agency worthwhile, or should you instruct a lawyer straight away? The answer depends on how the debtor is responding and how much is owed.
How I can help you
- Checking whether, and how, the debtor has already fallen into default
- Drafting an effective reminder that puts pressure on the debtor
- Initiating a court order for payment (Mahnverfahren) or litigation where necessary
- Assessing whether your case is suited to debt collection or whether instructing a lawyer makes more sense
- Enforcement even where claims are disputed or of a higher amount
Why your own reminder is the first step
If a customer doesn’t pay, it is worth starting with your own, clearly worded reminder. It triggers what is legally called default: if the debtor fails to perform following a reminder issued after the due date, they fall into default (§ 286(1) BGB) — with the consequence that default interest and further default-related damages can be claimed. If the customer still doesn’t respond, the route then leads via the court order for payment procedure or straight to litigation.
Debt collection or a lawyer — what suits your case?
A debt collection agency can be sufficient for straightforward, undisputed claims — for example where the debtor doesn’t fundamentally dispute the invoice but is merely hesitating. If the claim is disputed, involves a higher amount, or it is legally unclear whether and in what amount it exists, it is worth getting a lawyer’s assessment from the outset. That way you lose no time if the case ends up in court after all — more on this at Civil Law.
On costs: fees are charged under the Lawyers’ Remuneration Act (RVG) or by agreement. Where a claim is justified, the debtor generally ends up contributing to the costs as well; legal expenses insurance often covers both pre-litigation and court costs. I discuss the specific framework transparently at the initial consultation.
Don’t wait too long: the sooner we choose the right approach, the sooner you get your money.
This article provides general information and is no substitute for legal advice in an individual case. Last updated: 2026-06-20.
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