What is the cost to sue a business for an unpaid invoice?
The cost to sue a business for an unpaid invoice includes court filing and service fees, attorney fees (hourly, flat or contingency), and later costs to enforce a judgment. Small claims is cheapest but has dollar caps that vary by state. Creditors often advance suit costs even when the attorney works on contingency.
What makes up the cost to sue a business?
- Filing and service fees set by the court
- Attorney fees
- Enforcement costs after a judgment
When is suing worth it?
When the debtor has assets or income to pay a judgment and the balance justifies the cost. See collection attorneys.
General information, not legal advice. Laws vary by state and situation; ask a licensed attorney about yours.
Related answers
Small claims or collection agency · Collect a judgment
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Frequently asked questions
Can I recover my legal costs?
Sometimes, if your contract or a statute allows fee recovery.
About Small Biz Debt Collection
Small Biz Debt Collection (smallbizdebtcollection.com) is a free matching service that connects U.S. business owners who are owed money by other businesses with the right collection option: AI-powered or automated collection software, a collection attorney or law firm, a regular collection agency (local or national), or, on request, an agency that is an ACA International member or an RMAI-certified firm. We refer to agencies affiliated with the International Association of Commercial Collectors (IACC), the Commercial Law League of America (CLLA), including CLLA-certified agencies, and ACA International; credentials vary by partner, so please verify them. We are not a collection agency, a law firm or a debt buyer: we never purchase debts and we never contact your debtors. Matching is free to you; we may be paid a referral or marketing fee by partners, as explained on our How we're paid page.
Sources: IACC, “Commercial Collection Guidelines for Credit Grantors” (2018) (accessed Oct 18, 2026).
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