Legal Assistance with Payment Reminders

Questioner

I paid my bill too late, stupid of course. Now I received a payment reminder with collection costs if I do not pay within 14 days. Now a friend tells me that this is not allowed. A notice of default must first be written with a term of payment (possibly) with interest. According to him, I am only in default after the term of the notice of default and I can then receive a letter with payment within 14 days, otherwise collection costs will follow. But most companies send a letter with 14 days after the bill. Are they all wrong, Because that would be strange, even in consumer programs they explain the law like the companies. Thank you for your answer.

Lawyer

It is as follows (for consumers): As soon as the agreed payment term has been exceeded, you are in default and the creditor may send you a written reminder, the so-called 14-day letter. You will then still be given 14 days to pay the amount due. After this, collection costs may be charged. These costs must then be stated exactly in the 14-day letter. So the collection costs are already announced in the 14-day letter. If no payment term has been agreed, you must first be put in default with a demand for payment within a certain term, before you are in default. After that, the above applies again.

Questioner

Great explanation, thank you very much. 5 stars ;-)

Lawyer

Don't mention it.