California Attorneys for Commercial Debt Collection and Enforcement of Judgments

Whether your company is owed a debt or owes one to another, it is essential to resolve the issue in a timely manner. However, debt collection can be challenging if you are unfamiliar with the process — this is why having a skillful attorney by your side is critical. The attorneys at White and Bright, LLP have extensive experience handling business debt collection matters for both debtors and creditors. From pre-lawsuit collections to obtaining judgments and enforcing them, our attorneys understand the intricacies of commercial debt collection and will work to protect your interests.

Diligent Attorneys for Drafting Strong Demand Letters

Commercial debt collection typically begins with a demand letter. This is a formal document that outlines the debt, the amount owed, and the time frame for payment. Although this letter does not commence a lawsuit, it can be a key piece of evidence in any legal action that is later filed. It also demonstrates to the judge that you made a good faith effort to resolve the issue out of court.

In many cases, a debt collection matter can be negotiated after the demand letter has been sent, without needing to resort to litigation. But if the debtor doesn’t respond to the letter or agree to a settlement, it may be necessary to file a lawsuit. At White and Bright, our debt collection attorney team is skilled in drafting strong demand letters. We can also protect your interests if you have received correspondence requesting that a debt be paid.

Knowledgeable Counsel for Litigating Commercial Debt Collection Matters

The attorneys at White and Bright provide comprehensive legal solutions to businesses of all sizes for commercial debt collection issues. Whether you are a small family-owned business or a large corporation, we can develop a strategy that will meet your needs and safeguard your bottom line. If your case requires litigation, we are prepared to advocate on your behalf in the courtroom. Applying our wide breadth of litigation experience, we will work relentlessly to resolve your creditor-debtor dispute successfully so your focus can remain on your business operations.

Significantly, not every creditor-debtor matter requires litigation. Mediation and arbitration can be highly effective methods to resolve commercial debt disputes privately and efficiently outside the courtroom. Our team of debt collection attorneys use alternative dispute resolution whenever possible to help preserve crucial business relationships and save your company from incurring the costs of litigation.

Skillful Attorneys for Enforcing Judgments

Even if your business obtained a judgment for a debt that was owed, it can sometimes be difficult to collect on it. Importantly, there are a number of tools that may be used to enforce a judgement under California law. Applying our deep knowledge of the applicable statutes related to the enforcement of judgments, the debt collection attorney team at White and Bright can help ensure you maximize your recovery.

We regularly help our clients enforce judgments using the following methods:

  • Wage garnishment — Wage garnishment allows a portion of a debtor’s wages to be withheld to satisfy a judgment.
  • Bank levies — A bank levy allows a creditor to seize funds from the debtor’s bank account.
  • Liens — A lien is a legal claim against a debtor’s property to secure payment of the unpaid debt.
  • Seizure of assets — Under California law, a creditor may obtain a writ of execution to seize and sell the debtor’s property in order to satisfy the debt they owe.

Additionally, California’s attachment law can allow a creditor to seize a debtor’s assets before a judgment is even entered. This tool secures the payment of unsecured commercial debts while simultaneously giving commercial creditors an advantage over other creditors when those creditors seek payment from the same debtor. It also protects the creditor in the event that the debtor files bankruptcy.

If you have secured a judgment, our debt collection attorneys can assist your company with locating and identifying the debtor’s assets. We will help you navigate the nuances of the collections process and ensure proper procedures are followed. Notably, if you are the party who has had a judgment entered against you, you still have legal options. Our legal team can challenge the validity of the debt, negotiate a fair settlement, help you explore partial payment options, and ensure your assets are protected.

Contact an Experienced California Debt Collection Attorney

Although commercial debt collection can seem like a daunting process, the attorneys at White and Bright, LLP are here to help. We have years of experience advocating for the interests of commercial creditors and debtors, and are ready to assist your company with its debt collection or judgment enforcement matter. We welcome you to contact us online or call us at (760) 747-3200 to learn more about our collections services.