All the paths, one table
Every option, side by side.
No jargon. No spin. The honest pros, cons, and price tag of every legal avenue for chasing a debt in Australia.
| Path | Our fee | Timeframe | Recoverable costs | Likelihood | When to use it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Letter of Demand | $79 | 7–21 days | — | 50–70% for clean debts | Always. It's the cheapest move and courts want to see you tried. |
| LoD + 30-day follow-up | $199 | 2–4 weeks | — | 60–75% | When the debtor is the type that ignores letters. |
| Statutory Demand (Corps Act s459E) | $349 | 21 days | Court fees only | Very high vs solvent companies | Debtor is a Pty Ltd, debt ≥$4,000, not genuinely disputed. |
| Small Claims / Tribunal filing | $249 + filing fees (~$100–$400) | 6–12 weeks | Filing fee usually | High for documented debts | Amount under your state's small-claims cap. No lawyers needed. |
| Magistrates / Local Court claim | $499 + filing fees (~$300–$1,500) | 3–9 months | Partial legal costs | High if undefended | Amount between small-claims cap and $100k. |
| Bankruptcy Notice | $599 + AFSA fees | 21 days+ | Partial | Very high pressure on individuals | You already have judgment, debt ≥$10,000, debtor is an individual. |
| Enforcement (garnishee / writ) | $199 per action + court fees | 1–6 months | Depends | Depends on debtor's assets | You have judgment but they still haven't paid. |
