What is a story investigation?

A recovery investigation is an investigation into the financial position and recovery possibilities of your debtor. It answers one question: is litigation worthwhile?

You can win a lawsuit but still end up empty-handed — if the debtor has no assets that can be seized. A judgment won against a debtor without recourse yields nothing and costs you only legal fees. A recourse investigation prevents you from ending up in that situation.

When should you have a financial tracing investigation carried out?

An asset tracing investigation is advisable if you doubt whether the debtor has sufficient assets to satisfy your claim. This is particularly the case if:

The debtor gives signals of financial difficulties — overdue payments, announcements of business transfer or termination, reports of liquidity problems.

The claim is substantial enough to justify legal costs, but you want certainty regarding the feasibility of execution following a judgment.

You have previously won a judgment, but the bailiff indicates that there is nothing to recover — while you suspect that the debtor does have assets.

You are considering placing a provisional attachment and want to know on which assets this would be sensible.

What is being investigated?

During the asset tracing investigation, the debtor's financial position is mapped out. Depending on the situation, this may include:

Real estate: homes, commercial properties, land — including the amount of any mortgages and
equity.

Bank accounts: which banks and accounts are known. The balance itself cannot be requested, but the account is available as an object of seizure.

Vehicles: cars, trucks, other registered vehicles.

Shares: shareholdings in companies.

Claims against third parties: customers of the debtor against which third-party attachment may be levied.

Corporate structure: for a company, the directors, shareholders, and affiliated entities are also mapped out.

Bankruptcy signals: ongoing proceedings, seizures, creditor lists.

The investigation is concluded with a report containing concrete recommendations regarding the next step: litigation, attachment, filing for bankruptcy, or writing off the claim.

What are the benefits of a story investigation?

The study provides you with three possible outcomes.

The debtor has sufficient assets to recover. You can confidently initiate legal proceedings or have a provisional attachment placed. We advise on which assets attachment is most effective.

The debtor has limited recourse. Litigation is risky but not futile. We advise on a strategy to limit your risk — for example, by first attaching assets before proceedings begin.

The debtor has no assets to recover. Litigation is pointless and would only result in additional costs for you. You can write off the claim or wait until the debtor's financial situation improves.

Tracing investigation versus credit report

An asset recovery investigation focuses specifically on recovery options for a concrete claim — what assets exist and what can be seized? A credit report provides a general overview of the creditworthiness of a company or person. Both can be used alongside each other for a complete picture.