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Collection Partners: Flow of funds - debtor pays you vs debtor pays the client

When a debtor pays, the money can go to either you (the collection partner) or directly to the client. This article explains both payment flows, how to report each scenario in Debitura, and what invoicing applies when the client receives payment directly.

Updated over 2 weeks ago

What it is

Debitura supports two payment paths depending on where the debtor sends money:

  • Default flow - The debtor pays you. You deduct your fees and transfer the remainder to the client.

  • Alternative flow - The debtor pays the client directly. You invoice the client for your fees.

Both flows are fully supported in the platform. Debitura itself never receives funds from debtors or clients.

Why it matters

Knowing which payment flow applies to a case determines how you record the transaction and whether you need to invoice the client. In some jurisdictions, partners are not permitted to receive debtor payments due to local tax or compliance rules. Sometimes debtors also bypass the partner and pay the client directly. Understanding these scenarios ensures correct reporting, accurate revenue tracking, and timely settlement.

How it works

Default flow: debtor pays you

This is the standard payment path for most cases:

  1. You contact the debtor and provide your bank details.

  2. The debtor pays into your account.

  3. You deduct any agreed success fees plus applicable late payment fees or interest.

  4. You transfer the remaining balance to the client, usually within 30 business days.

When you register this payment in Debitura, the platform automatically marks the commission as Paid because you already hold the funds. The payout is recorded and appears in your Partner Balance.

Alternative flow: debtor pays the client

In some cases the debtor pays the client instead of you. This happens when:

  • Local regulations prohibit you from receiving payments (for example, in India or Bangladesh).

  • The debtor bypasses you and pays the client directly.

When this occurs:

  1. The client receives the payment from the debtor.

  2. You issue an invoice to the client covering your success fee and any fees that would have been charged to the debtor.

  3. The client settles that invoice according to the payment terms of the Standard Debt Collection Agreement (SDCA).

You register the payment in Debitura with the recipient set to Client. The commission status starts as Unpaid. Once the client pays your invoice, you update the commission status to Paid.

Client invoice payment terms

Under the SDCA, clients must settle partner invoices within 10 days of the invoice date. Overdue amounts accrue interest at 12% per annum. If the invoice remains unpaid for more than 30 days past the due date, an additional 10% flat late payment fee applies.

📋 Non-Exclusive Partners

Legal Network partners do not pay a revenue share to Debitura. However, you still invoice the client for your fees when payment goes to them directly. The SDCA payment terms apply to all partners.

How to report payments in Debitura

Record payments from your Cases Received list by opening the relevant case and entering the payment details. Specify whether the recipient was you or the client. For step-by-step guidance, see How to report a recovered payment and How to handle direct payments to the client.

What to expect

  • When you receive the payment, commission is marked Paid automatically and Debitura invoices you monthly for its revenue share.

  • When the client receives the payment, commission remains Unpaid until you confirm settlement. Update the status once the client pays your invoice.

  • All payments and payouts appear in your Partner Balance for reconciliation.

📋 Non-Exclusive Partners

Because Legal Network partners pay 0% revenue share to Debitura, you will not receive a monthly platform invoice. You still record payments the same way so case status and reporting remain accurate.

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