Recover What You’re Owed—Legally and Effectively

When a customer, client, or business partner refuses to pay a valid debt, the financial burden falls on your company. Unpaid invoices, broken payment plans, and dishonored contracts can damage your cash flow, delay operations, and increase your risk exposure.

At Ratliff Jackson LLP, we represent businesses and professionals across Cherry Hill and South Jersey in civil litigation involving the collection of unpaid debts. Whether you are a vendor, landlord, service provider, or independent contractor, our firm can help you recover what you are owed through legal demand, court judgment, or post-judgment enforcement.

We also defend individuals and companies facing collection actions, ensuring that creditors follow the law and respect your rights.

Our Debt Collection Legal Services

We represent both plaintiffs seeking to collect unpaid debts and defendants who have been wrongfully sued or harassed by creditors. Our approach is grounded in clarity, professionalism, and full compliance with New Jersey law.

For Creditors and Claimants

We help businesses and individuals:

• Enforce unpaid contracts or promissory notes
• Pursue outstanding invoices or service fees
• File lawsuits for nonpayment in civil court
• Obtain judgments and liens against nonpaying parties
• Garnish wages or levy bank accounts post-judgment
• Secure default judgments in uncontested matters
• Enforce commercial leases and recover possession or rent
• Draft enforceable repayment agreements and confession of judgment clauses

We focus on efficient recovery while preserving business relationships when possible.

For Debtors and Defendants

We defend clients who are:

• Sued by creditors, landlords, or service providers
• Contacted by aggressive collection firms or attorneys
• Facing wage garnishment or frozen accounts
• Accused of defaulting on loans or installment agreements
• Harassed in violation of fair debt collection practices
• Being pursued for time-barred or inflated debts

We review the legitimacy of the debt, raise applicable defenses, and negotiate resolutions that protect your financial future.

Where We Litigate Collection Cases

We handle debt collection cases across:

• Camden County Superior Court – Law Division and Special Civil Part
• Cherry Hill, Pennsauken, Gloucester Township, and Voorhees Municipal Courts
• Burlington and Gloucester County Civil Courts
• Arbitration forums for commercial contracts and business disputes

We work with our clients to determine the most effective forum and enforcement mechanism.

Common Types of Debt Collection Matters

• Breach of contract for unpaid goods or services
• Unpaid commercial lease or rent balances
• Business-to-business accounts receivable disputes
• Loan defaults involving individuals or co-signers
• Collection on final invoices after early termination
• Defaulted payment plans for professional services
• Enforcement of judgments from other states (domestication)

No matter the size of the debt, we develop a strategy that balances speed, cost, and long-term recovery goals.

Post-Judgment Enforcement

Winning in court is only the beginning. We assist judgment creditors in enforcing collection through legal tools such as:

• Wage garnishment
• Bank account levies
• Asset seizure and turnover motions
• Charging liens on business interests
• Information subpoenas to locate assets
• Filing liens against real estate or vehicles

We guide clients through the complex rules of post-judgment recovery under New Jersey civil procedure.

Defending Against Collections Actions

If you’ve received a demand letter, court summons, or judgment, legal representation is critical. We defend individuals and businesses by asserting defenses such as:

• Payment or satisfaction of debt
• Mistaken identity or wrong defendant
• Statute of limitations
• Lack of documentation or admissible evidence
• Fraudulent or misleading billing practices
• Violations of state or federal collection regulations

We work to resolve disputes through dismissal, negotiated settlement, or court defense.

Collections Compliance and Strategy for Businesses

For businesses with recurring collection needs, we offer proactive services including:

• Contract drafting with strong enforcement language
• Personal guarantee clauses
• Default interest, late fee, and attorneys’ fees provisions
• Pre-litigation demand strategies
• In-house policy development for customer delinquencies
• Risk mitigation for recurring clients or high-volume accounts

Our goal is to turn account receivables into recoverable assets—without violating fair collection standards or damaging your reputation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long do I have to file a collection lawsuit in New Jersey?
A: Most debt-based claims must be filed within six years of the date of breach or nonpayment. Shorter time limits may apply to lease or consumer matters.

Q: Can I collect interest and attorneys’ fees?
A: Yes, if your contract includes these provisions. We draft enforceable language and pursue full compensation where legally permitted.

Q: What if the debtor ignores the lawsuit?
A: You may be entitled to a default judgment, which can be enforced by garnishment, liens, or asset seizure.

Q: Can I sue for a verbal agreement?
A: Possibly. New Jersey law permits oral contracts in many situations, though written evidence improves enforceability.

Q: What defenses can be raised against a collections claim?
A: Common defenses include mistaken identity, invalid contract, partial payment, statute of limitations, and lack of evidence.

Take Control of Unpaid Debts or Defend Against Improper Claims

Unpaid debts can stall your business or threaten your financial stability. Whether you are seeking to collect or defend, Ratliff Jackson LLP offers professional, results-driven legal counsel in debt collection disputes throughout Cherry Hill and South Jersey. We bring clarity, compliance, and courtroom experience to every case.

To speak with a collections attorney, call (856) 209-3111 or email [email protected]. We help clients take the right steps—before the court or a creditor forces their hand.