You’re Owed Money. We Help You Collect It.

Whether you’re a business carrying unpaid invoices or an individual who lent money that was never paid back, an unpaid debt is more than an inconvenience — it ties up cash you’re entitled to. The debt recovery lawyers at Getz Collins and Associates help clients in Calgary, Strathmore, and across Alberta collect what they’re owed, efficiently and without unnecessary cost.

We act for creditors at every stage, from a firmly worded demand letter through to court judgment and the enforcement tools that actually put money back in your pocket.

How Debt Collection Works in Alberta

Recovering a debt usually follows a series of escalating steps. Often the early ones are enough.

1. Demand letter. A formal demand from a law firm signals you’re serious and frequently prompts payment without further action. It also creates a clear record.

2. Filing a claim. If the demand goes unanswered, we commence a court action. Where the claim is for $100,000 or less, it proceeds in the Alberta Court of Justice (formerly Provincial Court / Small Claims). Larger claims go to the Court of King’s Bench.

3. Obtaining judgment. If the debtor doesn’t dispute the claim, we can often obtain default judgment without a trial. If they do dispute it, we advocate for you through the litigation process.

4. Enforcing the judgment. A judgment is only as good as your ability to collect on it. This is where many self-represented creditors get stuck — and where the right enforcement tools matter most.

Enforcement Tools That Actually Recover Money

A court judgment confirms the debt is owed, but it doesn’t collect itself. Alberta’s Civil Enforcement Act, RSA 2000, c C-15, provides several mechanisms:

• Garnishment — intercepting money owed to the debtor by a third party, such as wages from their employer or funds in their bank account, and redirecting it to you;
• Writ of enforcement — registered against the debtor’s property, it can attach to land and assets and may force a sale;
• Seizure of assets — having a civil enforcement agency seize and sell the debtor’s non-exempt property; and
• Examination in aid of enforcement — questioning the debtor under oath about their income and assets so you know what’s available to collect against.

We help you choose the right combination based on what the debtor actually has.

A Note on Time Limits

In Alberta, most debt claims must be started within two years.

Under the Limitations Act, RSA 2000, c L-12, you generally have two years from when you knew (or ought to have known) that the debt was owed and unpaid to commence a claim. Wait too long and you may lose the right to sue entirely. Certain acknowledgments or partial payments by the debtor can reset the clock, but you shouldn’t rely on that — the safest course is to act promptly.

We Also Defend Debt Claims

Not everyone who receives a collection claim actually owes what’s alleged. If you’ve been served with a Statement of Claim or a demand for a debt you dispute — whether the amount is wrong, the debt was already paid, or the limitation period has expired — we can assess your position and defend you.

Frequently Asked Questions About Debt Collection

How long do I have to collect a debt in Alberta?

Generally two years from when you knew the debt was owed and unpaid, under the Limitations Act. Some acknowledgments or partial payments can restart that period, but you shouldn’t count on it. Acting quickly protects your right to recover.

What is garnishment?

Garnishment is a court-authorized way to collect a judgment by intercepting money owed to your debtor by someone else — most commonly their wages or bank account funds — and directing it to you instead.

What if I win a judgment but the debtor still won’t pay?

A judgment gives you access to enforcement tools under the Civil Enforcement Act, including garnishment, writs of enforcement against property, asset seizure, and questioning the debtor under oath about their finances. We help you put these to work.

Is it worth pursuing a small debt?

Sometimes a demand letter alone resolves it at modest cost. For smaller amounts, the Alberta Court of Justice (Small Claims) offers a more streamlined, cost-effective process. We can give you a candid assessment of whether pursuing the debt makes financial sense.

Contact Getz Collins and Associates today — your partner in debt recovery. Contact Us | Calgary: 587-391-5600 | Strathmore: 403-934-2500