LAWCRESTDebt collection lawyer in Mississauga
Unpaid invoices, unrepaid loans and ignored judgments hurt cash flow and peace of mind. Lawcrest helps businesses and individuals across Mississauga and the GTA recover what they are owed, with a firm but professional approach from the first demand letter to enforcement.
The longer a debt is left unpaid, the harder it usually is to collect. Most claims must also be started within two years, so do not wait.
416-830-3369Getting paid, the right way
Debt collection is the process of recovering money that is legally owed to you. It can start with a simple, firm letter and, when needed, go all the way to a court judgment and the enforcement of that judgment.
A law firm brings weight to the process. A demand from a lawyer is taken seriously, and every step follows the law and the rules of the court.
We act mainly for creditors, and we also help people who owe money and want a fair resolution. We begin by reviewing your documents and the debtor, then give you an honest view of your chances and the most practical route to payment.
- BusinessesUnpaid invoices, supplier and customer accounts, commercial rent and loans.
- IndividualsPersonal loans, unpaid fees and money owed under informal agreements.
- Judgment creditorsEnforcing a court judgment that has not been paid.
Types of debts we help recover
If your situation is not listed, call us. We will tell you plainly whether we can help and what is realistic.
Unpaid invoices
Customers or clients who have not paid for goods delivered or services completed.
Personal and private loans
Money lent to a friend, relative or acquaintance that has not been repaid.
Commercial loans and guarantees
Business loans in default, and claims against the people who guaranteed them.
Commercial rent arrears
Unpaid rent and charges owed under a commercial lease.
Dishonoured cheques
Cheques returned for insufficient funds and payments that failed.
Professional and contractor fees
Unpaid fees for work, projects or professional services you completed.
Broken payment plans
Instalment agreements and settlements where the payments stopped.
Enforcing judgments
You already won a judgment, and the other side has not paid.
How we recover your debt
A clear process, with no surprises about where your matter stands.
Review and assessment
We check the documents, the amount, the interest and the debtor, and tell you honestly what is realistic.
Formal demand letter
A professional letter from a law firm sets out the amount owed and a deadline. Many debts are paid at this stage.
Negotiation or payment plan
Where it makes sense, we negotiate a lump sum or a written payment plan that you can rely on.
Claim and judgment
If the debt is not paid, we start a court claim in Small Claims Court or the Superior Court, and seek judgment.
Enforcement
A judgment is not payment by itself. We use the available tools to locate assets and collect.
Collection and closure
We receive and account for the money, release enforcement steps where appropriate, and close your file.
Collecting after judgment
Winning in court is only half of the job. Here are the main tools available to collect.
GarnishmentWages and bank accounts
With a judgment, money can be redirected from the debtor wages or bank accounts to you, subject to the limits set by the law.
Seizure and saleWrits of seizure and sale
A writ lets the sheriff seize and sell the debtor property. A writ filed against land can also tie up a property until the debt is dealt with.
Examination of the debtorFinding the assets
The debtor can be required to answer questions under oath about income, assets and dealings, which shows what can realistically be collected.
Liens and chargesProtecting your position
Registered claims against property can prevent a sale or refinancing without your debt being addressed.
Bankruptcy and insolvencyProtecting your claim
If the debtor files for bankruptcy or a proposal, collection steps are generally paused. We help you file a proof of claim and protect your rights.
Owe money or been sued? We can help too.
Receiving a demand letter or a court claim is stressful, but you have options. The most important thing is not to ignore it, because deadlines are short and missing them can lead to judgment against you.
What to do right away
Read every document carefully and note the dates. In Small Claims Court you usually have 20 days after service to file a defence. If the amount is wrong or disputed, we can help you respond. If you accept you owe it, we can help negotiate a fair payment plan.
Contact us early and bring every document you received.
Costs and what you can recover
Knowing the likely costs up front helps you decide how to proceed. We discuss fees and options with you at the start.
- The debt itselfThe principal amount that is properly owed to you.
- InterestPre-judgment and post-judgment interest may be available, based on your agreement and the rules.
- Court feesFiling and enforcement steps involve court fees, which we confirm for you.
- Legal costsA court may order the debtor to pay part of your legal costs. Recovery is often partial.
- CollectabilityWe tell you early if a debtor appears unable to pay, so you do not spend more than is sensible.
Do not wait: time limits apply
Under Ontario's Limitations Act, 2002, a claim for a debt generally must be started within two years of the day it was discovered, which is often when payment was due and missed. After that, the debtor may be able to defeat the claim.
In some cases a written acknowledgment of the debt, or a part payment, can affect the time limit. Guarantees and special agreements can have their own rules. Get advice as soon as a debt goes unpaid so your options stay open.
What to bring to your consultation
Do not worry if you do not have everything. Bring what you can, and we will tell you what else is useful.
- The contract, invoice or loan agreement
- A statement of account showing what is owed
- Proof the work or goods were delivered
- Emails, texts and letters with the debtor
- Any dishonoured cheque, payment plan or earlier demand
- What you know about the debtor: full name, address, employer, bank
Why clients choose Lawcrest
You are trusting us with money that matters. This is how we earn that trust.
Firm but professional
We pursue payment lawfully and respectfully, which protects your reputation.
Cost clarity
We discuss fees at the start so you can decide with full information.
Practical focus
We weigh the cost of collecting against what can realistically be recovered.
Confidential
What you tell us is protected by solicitor-client privilege.
Responsive
Your questions get answers, and you hear from us as your matter moves.
Local and accessible
Meet us at our Matheson Blvd office in Mississauga, or arrange a call.
Regulated lawyers
Lawcrest is a professional corporation regulated by the Law Society of Ontario.
Start to finish
From the first letter to enforcement, one firm handles your matter.
Frequently asked questions
Still not sure? Call 416-830-3369 and we will talk it through.
How long do I have to collect a debt?
In most cases a claim must be started within two years of when it was discovered, often when payment was due. Special rules can apply, so contact us as soon as a debt goes unpaid.
Can you collect without going to court?
Often yes. A formal demand letter from a law firm and negotiation resolve many debts. Court is used when the debtor does not respond or pay.
What if the debtor cannot pay in full?
We can negotiate a written payment plan or a reduced settlement where that is in your interest, and tell you honestly what is realistic.
Can I charge interest on an unpaid debt?
It depends on your agreement and the law. Courts may also award interest on money owed. We review your documents and advise you.
What happens if the debtor files for bankruptcy?
Collection steps are generally paused. You may still file a proof of claim, and we can help you protect your position.
Do I need a written contract to collect?
Not always. Emails, invoices, records of payment and delivery can show what was agreed, although a written contract is stronger evidence.
How much will it cost to collect a debt?
Costs depend on the amount, the complexity and how far the matter goes. We discuss fees and options at the start, and we tell you early if collection looks uneconomical.
Is my information confidential?
Yes. Your communications with us are protected by solicitor-client privilege.
Testimonials
They made a complicated legal matter feel understandable. We always knew what was happening, why it mattered and what came next.
Carolean
Worker
We always knew what was happening, why it mattered and what came next. They made a complicated legal matter feel understandable.
Elena
Founder of a company
Lawcrest
@2026