Debt Collection
Lawyers in Vancouver

Commercial Debt Collection
in British Columbia

When a business is owed money and payment is not forthcoming, legal action is often the most effective path to recovery. McKechnie & Company acts for businesses and individuals across British Columbia in commercial and personal debt collection matters, from initial demand through to enforcement of judgment.

We handle straightforward collections and complex multi-party creditor disputes. Whether the debt arises from unpaid invoices, a loan in default, a promissory note, or a personal guarantee, we provide practical advice and efficient representation focused on recovery.

OUR process

How We Help Creditors

Our debt collection lawyers assist creditors at every stage of the recovery process, including issuing formal demand letters, commencing legal proceedings for unpaid debts, enforcing contracts, guarantees, and promissory notes, obtaining and enforcing court judgments, garnishment of wages and accounts, foreclosure proceedings, and court-ordered seizure and sale of property.

We recognize that recovery of business debts may require sensitive handling in light of associated business relationships. We are attuned to such circumstances and ensure that we tailor our legal advice accordingly.

We act for clients in Vancouver, across the Lower Mainland, and throughout British Columbia, including clients based outside the province in matters connected to it and governed by local law.

negotiation

mediation

arbitration

litigation

Our Builders’ Lien Lawyers Assist With:

  • Obtaining a judgment is one thing. Collecting on it is another. If you have a court judgment, arbitral award, or tribunal decision that has gone unpaid, we can assist with enforcement. This includes B.C. judgments, judgments from other Canadian provinces, and foreign judgments enforceable in British Columbia.

Bankruptcy and Creditor Representation

When a debtor goes into bankruptcy or seeks protection under the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act, acting quickly matters. We advise and represent commercial creditors in bankruptcy and insolvency proceedings, including filing claims, participating in creditor proposals, enforcing secured and unsecured debts, and navigating CCAA proceedings.
McKechnie & Company acts for commercial creditors in these matters. We do not act for debtors seeking to file for personal bankruptcy or creditor protection.

OUR cases

Construction Liens and Debt Recovery

A specialized area of debt collection involves debts arising from contracts for the supply of services or materials to construction projects, since special remedies are available to construction creditors, such as builders liens and construction trust claims. See our construction lien lawyers page for more on how we handle those matters.

Why Work With McKechnie & Company on Debt Collection

Our lawyers have recovered outstanding debts for businesses, financial institutions, and creditors across British Columbia for decades. We understand that debt collection is not just about the law, it is about cash flow, business relationships, and getting results efficiently. We take a direct, practical approach to every file and keep clients informed at every stage.

We are based in Yaletown, Vancouver and act for clients throughout B.C. and from outside the province in matters governed by B.C. law.

Case Study

Debt Collection

1

Situation

A cleaning company providing services to a residential tower was left unpaid when the strata corporation ran into financial difficulties.

2

Complication

The unpaid invoices created cash flow problems and the cost of litigation risked outweighing the amount owed.

3


Our Approach

McKechnie & Company filed a builders lien against the strata and then assisted the cleaning company in negotiating repayment directly with, avoiding court proceedings entirely.

4

Outcome

A payment plan was agreed upon, resolving the matter efficiently and preserving the business relationship.

Frequently Asked Questions About Debt Collection in B.C.

A collection agency contacts debtors and negotiates payment on your behalf but cannot commence legal proceedings. A debt collection lawyer can do all of that and also sue for the debt, obtain a court judgment, and enforce that judgment through garnishment, seizure, or foreclosure. For business debts of any significant size, legal representation typically produces better results.

Once you have a judgment, enforcement options include garnishing the debtor’s wages or bank accounts, seizing and selling assets, and registering the judgment against property. The right approach depends on the debtor’s circumstances.

Yes. We act for clients across British Columbia, including Vancouver Island. While our office is in Vancouver, we regularly represent creditors in matters throughout the province.

If a debtor files for bankruptcy or seeks creditor protection under the CCAA, you need to act quickly to file a claim and protect your position. The outcome depends on the nature of the debt and whether it is secured or unsecured, as well as the type of insolvency proceedings that are involved.

In appropriate circumstances, yes. We assist debtors in defending claims and negotiating fair settlements. Contact us to discuss your situation.

Yes, in many cases. Negotiation, mediation, and arbitration resolve a significant number of construction disputes before trial. Where litigation is necessary, our construction litigation lawyers are prepared to advance your matter in BC Supreme Court.

Contact Our Debt Collection Lawyers

If you or your business is owed money and you need practical, results-focused legal advice, contact McKechnie & Company. We act for creditors in Vancouver, across B.C., and from outside the province in matters governed by B.C. law.

Call us at 604-669-7705 or fill out our contact form to arrange a free 30-minute consultation.

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