You will need to clarify what stage the debt is at because this will determine what your client’s options are, what steps you need to take and within what timeframe. In particular, you need to ascertain whether the creditor has commenced proceedings against your client, a court order has been made or if it is an old debt that might be statute barred.
If judgment has been entered, the client’s options are more limited, but you can often still attempt negotiation on the basis of the client’s hardship in an attempt to prevent enforcement.
This section summarises the different stages that a debt might be at, and what your client’s options are.