If you have not recovered debt after reminders, negotiations and the like then the next step is to engage lawyers to issue a formal letter of demand. If this is ignored, then you may commence debt recovery proceedings at Court. In bringing your claim you will need to establish the agreement, its terms, delivery of the service or goods and then outline failure to pay for those services or goods. Once filed with the Court, the debtor generally has 21 days after being served with the Complaint/Statement of Claim to bring a defence. If they fail to do so then you are able to apply for default judgment and take steps to enforce the Court order for the debt.