How can I respond to a reminder for an outstanding invoice?
April 2, 2022 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Simon Büchner
Dear lawyer,
I am reaching out to you with a question regarding civil law. A few weeks ago, I received a service and was issued an invoice for it. Unfortunately, due to personal reasons, I have not been able to settle the invoice yet. Now, I have received a reminder which sets a deadline for payment.
I am concerned that if I do not pay, further legal actions may be taken against me. Therefore, I would like to know the best way to respond to this reminder in order to prevent escalation.
What options do I have to settle the outstanding invoice while also considering my financial capabilities? Is there a way to communicate with the creditor and arrange for a payment plan? What legal consequences may I face if I do not meet the payment deadline?
I thank you in advance for your support and advice on this matter.
Best regards,
Siegfried Hausdorf
Dear Mr. Hausdorf,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding a reminder you have received and the outstanding invoice that has not been settled yet. It is understandable that you are concerned that further legal steps could be taken against you. I will explain to you in detail how you can best handle the reminder to avoid escalation.
First and foremost, it is important that you take the reminder seriously and act promptly. Do not ignore the deadline for payment, as this could lead to further consequences. It is advisable to contact the creditor and find a solution that takes into account both your financial capabilities and is satisfactory to the creditor.
One possibility to settle the outstanding invoice while considering your financial situation is to agree on a payment plan. Discuss your financial situation with the creditor and suggest a realistic installment payment. Often, creditors are willing to make such an agreement to at least receive a part of the outstanding amount.
If you do not adhere to the payment deadline, the creditor may have various legal steps available. These may include initiating legal debt collection proceedings, applying for a payment order, or involving a debt collection agency. These measures can lead to additional costs for you and, in the worst case scenario, to forced execution.
Therefore, it is advisable to contact the creditor early on and find a solution that is acceptable to both parties. If you need legal assistance or have further questions, I am at your disposal. Do not hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
Simon Büchner
