Contract, invoice, loan, service or another obligation.
Customer won’t pay an invoice — what can I do?
Start by proving the debt, checking whether the customer actually disputes the work, and putting the payment request in writing. The right escalation step depends on the contract, evidence, amount owed and the country or legal system connected to the invoice.
Ask JEZ AI about the unpaid invoiceVISUAL MONEY-CLAIM PATH
Money owed → demand → response → formal recovery.
Use this as a quick map. The detailed rules, deadlines and available remedies still depend on the selected jurisdiction and current official sources.
1Why is money owed?
2State the amount clearly
3Paid, disputed or ignored?
4Use the correct route
Show the balance, due date and records supporting the claim.
The next step changes with the other side’s response.
Small-claim, civil, payment-order or enforcement rules vary by jurisdiction.
Facts Evidence Correct local route Check current deadline / procedure
Before threatening court action, work out whether the debt is actually disputed.A customer who says “I cannot pay yet” presents a different problem from one saying the work was defective, incomplete, unauthorised or priced incorrectly. That distinction can change the recovery path.
Six sensible steps before formal action.
1. Check the invoice and agreementConfirm the customer name, amount, due date, payment terms, scope of work and anything that affects when payment became due.
2. Prove what you suppliedKeep the quote or contract, order, delivery record, completion evidence, timesheets, acceptance messages and any variation agreed later.
3. Separate delay from a genuine disputeA customer who is simply late is different from one disputing quality, scope, price, delivery or authority to order. Record exactly what they say is wrong.
4. Send a clear written reminder or demandState the amount outstanding, invoice reference, due date and what you want the customer to do. Keep proof of sending and avoid inventing fees or legal consequences.
5. Check the correct escalation routeDepending on the jurisdiction and dispute, the next step may be negotiation, mediation, a payment process, small claims, a tribunal or another court route.
6. Keep the recovery file organisedMaintain one chronology containing invoices, agreements, reminders, customer replies, partial payments and any formal notices.
Build the file before the argument grows.
Invoice and payment termsInvoice number, amount, due date, tax details where relevant, agreed payment terms and any late-payment clause you are relying on.
Agreement and authorityQuote, contract, purchase order, scope, variations and evidence showing who approved the goods or services.
Proof of delivery or completionDelivery confirmations, signed work, photos, timesheets, completion emails, access logs or messages showing the customer received the benefit.
Customer responseKeep every promise to pay, dispute, request for more time, complaint, partial payment and settlement proposal.
Do not invent interest, collection fees, deadlines or court consequences.Only claim charges or consequences that are actually supported by the agreement and applicable law. Formal court, tribunal or insolvency steps can have strict local requirements.
Use the correct recovery route for the jurisdiction.
ONE PROBLEM · THREE JOBS
Understand it. Prove it. Resolve it.
Use the legal information above to understand the issue, organise the records that support what happened, then prepare and track the practical next step.
1UnderstandGetInstantLaw · legal information
2ProveOrganise the agreement, invoice, proof of supply and customer communications.3ResolvePrepare the recovery request, track replies and keep the next action visible.Jurisdiction first. Source-led guidance after that.
Published and maintained by GetInstantLaw.com. This is a multi-jurisdiction entry page, not a substitute for the country, state, province, territory or legal-system guide that applies to your situation. Guide reviewed . Trust standard updated .
Legal information only — not legal advice. GetInstantLaw.com is not a law firm. Specific rights, deadlines, penalties and remedies should be checked against the cited authority for the selected jurisdiction.