Terms of Use — Debt Recovery Experts

Paste into WordPress page titled "Terms of Use" | Last Updated: July 25, 2026

IMPORTANT NOTICE: These Terms of Use contain a binding arbitration agreement and class action waiver that affect your legal rights. Please read Sections 9 and 10 carefully before using the Services.

1. Introduction and Acceptance

These Terms of Use ("Terms") are a binding legal agreement between you ("Client," "you," or "your") and Debt Recovery Experts ("DRE," "we," "us," or "our"). They govern your access to and use of the website located at https://debtrecoveryexperts.com (the "Site"), the claim submission portal, the payment portal, and all debt recovery services offered by DRE (collectively, the "Services").

By accessing the Site, creating an account, submitting a claim, executing a Limited Power of Attorney, or otherwise using the Services, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree to all of these Terms, you must not access the Site or use the Services.

You represent that you are at least 18 years of age, possess the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract, and have not been previously suspended or removed from the Services.

These Terms incorporate by reference the following documents, which are also binding on you:

Privacy Policy — available at Privacy Policy. Governs how we collect, use, store, and share your personal information.
Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) — available at Acceptable Use Policy. Defines acceptable and prohibited conduct when using the Site and Services.

Capitalized terms not defined in these Terms have the meanings given to them in the Privacy Policy or AUP. In the event of a conflict between these Terms and a per-claim service agreement, the service agreement controls for that specific claim.

2. Services Overview

DRE provides commercial debt recovery services to businesses and individuals. Our Services include:

Claim Submission. You submit unpaid commercial debt claims through our secure online portal, along with supporting documentation such as contracts, invoices, statements, and correspondence.

AI-Assisted Review. We use proprietary tools to evaluate claims — scoring viability, researching the debtor, and identifying potential weaknesses in the documentation. This review is internal only and does not constitute legal advice.

Limited Power of Attorney (LPOA). If a claim is accepted, you execute a Limited Power of Attorney authorizing DRE to act on your behalf to collect the specific debt. The LPOA is executed via Remote Online Notarization (RON) in compliance with Texas law.

Tiered Recovery. DRE pursues debts through a structured escalation process:

Tier 1 — Soft Touch: Email notification with an ACH payment link.
Tier 2 — Formal Demand: Certified mail demand letter sent to the debtor.
Tier 2.5 — Lien Threat / Pre-Lien Notice: For construction claims only; a pre-lien notice sent to the debtor. If a mechanic's lien filing becomes necessary, we refer to a partner law firm.
Tier 3 — Escalation: Final notice, plus phone and electronic contact.
Tier 4 — Legal Action: Referral to a partner law firm for litigation or lien enforcement.

Payment Collection and Disbursement. Payments from debtors are processed through Stripe ACH. DRE deducts its success fee and any authorized third-party costs, then disburses the remaining balance to your designated account.

Case Closure. When a claim is resolved — whether through collection, settlement, or determination that further action is not viable — DRE produces a closed-case binder with a complete record of the matter.

What DRE Does Not Do

DRE is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We do not file lawsuits directly — Tier 4 involves a referral to licensed attorneys who handle litigation independently. We do not file mechanic's liens directly — only pre-lien notices. We do not guarantee recovery; outcomes depend on factors beyond our control, including the debtor's financial condition and willingness to pay.

3. Eligibility and Account Registration

3.1 Eligibility Requirements

To use the Services, you must:

Be at least 18 years of age with the legal capacity to enter into a binding contract.
Be the lawful owner or authorized agent of the debt claim you submit.
Not be located in a jurisdiction where the Services are prohibited by law.
Not have been previously terminated or suspended from the Services.

3.2 Account Registration

You must create an account to submit claims and use the Services. You agree to:

Provide accurate, current, and complete information during registration.
Maintain and promptly update your account information as it changes.
Protect the confidentiality of your login credentials. You are responsible for all activity that occurs under your account.
Notify DRE immediately if you suspect unauthorized access or use of your account.

DRE reserves the right to reject or terminate any account at its sole discretion.

3.3 Business vs. Individual Accounts

If you register as a business, you must provide your Employer Identification Number (EIN), legal business name, and the name of an authorized representative. If you register as an individual, you must provide your Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) for disbursement and tax compliance purposes.

4. Claim Submission Rules

4.1 Required Information

For each claim you submit, you must provide:

Complete debtor information: legal name, business name (if applicable), physical address, phone number, and email address.
Documentation substantiating the debt: the underlying contract or purchase order, unpaid invoices, account statements, correspondence with the debtor, and proof of delivery or completion of work.
Debt details: the amount owed, the date the debt was incurred, the nature of the debt, and a summary of any prior collection attempts.
Any additional information DRE reasonably requests during the review process.

4.2 Claim Review and Acceptance

DRE reviews all submitted claims but is under no obligation to accept any claim. Acceptance is at our sole discretion and depends on factors including:

Whether the debt is within the applicable statute of limitations (four years for written contracts in Texas, per Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.004).
The completeness and sufficiency of the supporting documentation.
The likelihood of successful recovery, including the debtor's solvency, location, and asset profile.
Compliance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), the Texas Finance Code Chapter 392, and all other applicable laws.

If a claim is rejected, DRE will notify you in writing. DRE is not liable for any loss resulting from a rejected claim. Acceptance of a claim does not constitute a guarantee of recovery.

4.3 Prohibited Claims

You may not submit any claim that:

Is barred by the applicable statute of limitations.
Has already been paid, settled, or discharged in bankruptcy.
You know or have reason to know is false, fraudulent, or unsubstantiated.
Is subject to an active bankruptcy stay on the debtor.
Arises from or involves illegal activity or the proceeds of crime.

4.4 Client Certification

By submitting a claim, you certify that:

The debt is valid, enforceable, and unpaid.
All information and documentation you have provided is true, accurate, and complete to the best of your knowledge.
You have not assigned, sold, or transferred the debt to any other party.
You have not taken, and will not take, any action that would impair DRE's ability to collect the debt.

5. Limited Power of Attorney and Notarization

5.1 LPOA Execution

For every claim DRE accepts, you must execute a Limited Power of Attorney (LPOA) before collection begins. The LPOA grants DRE the authority to:

Communicate with the debtor regarding the specific debt identified in the LPOA.
Negotiate, accept, and receive payments on your behalf.
Endorse and deposit checks or other instruments made payable to you.
Execute settlement agreements and releases.
Take any other lawful actions necessary to collect the debt.

5.2 Scope and Limitations

The LPOA is strictly limited to the specific debt claim identified. It does not grant DRE general authority over your affairs, bank accounts, or other debts. The LPOA terminates upon the earliest of:

Successful collection and disbursement of the debt.
Written revocation by you, subject to Section 5.4.
Termination of these Terms or the applicable service agreement.

5.3 Remote Online Notarization (RON)

LPOAs are executed through a Remote Online Notarization platform in compliance with Texas Government Code § 406.101 et seq. and applicable Texas administrative rules. During the notarization session, you must:

Present valid, government-issued photo identification.
Appear via live audio-video communication.
Acknowledge your signature willingly and without duress.

Any RON fee will be disclosed before the session. The video and audio recording of the session is retained in accordance with Texas notary law.

5.4 Revocation

You may revoke the LPOA at any time by providing written notice to DRE. Revocation does not affect:

Any actions DRE took before receiving your revocation.
Fees or costs incurred before revocation.
Any partial recoveries already received, which will be remitted to you net of applicable fees.

Upon revocation, DRE will cease collection activity on the affected claim.

6. Fees and Payment Terms

6.1 Fee Structure

DRE charges a success fee calculated as a percentage of the amount actually collected from the debtor. No fee is charged if no recovery is made. The fee percentage depends on the tier at which the debt is resolved:

Tier	DRE Fee	Client Keeps
1 — Soft Touch	20–25%	75–80%
2 — Formal Demand	30%	70%
2.5 — Lien Threat	30% (+ attorney fees if lien filed)	70%
3 — Escalation	33%	67%
4 — Legal Action	10% DRE + 25% law firm	65%

The exact fee percentage applicable to your claim is confirmed in the per-claim service agreement before you execute the LPOA. Fees may vary based on the age, amount, and complexity of the debt.

6.2 Third-Party Costs

Certain out-of-pocket costs may be incurred during the recovery process. These are disclosed to you before they are incurred and may include:

Certified mail and postage fees (LetterStream).
Online notarization fees (Proof.com or equivalent).
Court filing fees, if litigation is pursued.
Attorney fees, for Tiers 2.5 and 4.

Third-party costs are deducted from the collected amount along with the success fee.

6.3 Disbursement

After DRE receives cleared funds from the debtor, we will:

Deduct the agreed success fee.
Deduct any authorized third-party costs.
Remit the remaining balance to your designated payment method (ACH via Stripe Connect).

Disbursement will be made within 30 calendar days of receipt of cleared funds, unless otherwise stated in your service agreement. A detailed fee statement will accompany each disbursement.

6.4 Direct Payments from Debtor

If you receive a direct payment from the debtor after the LPOA is executed, you must notify DRE immediately. Unless otherwise agreed, DRE's success fee applies to direct payments received during the LPOA period.

7. Client Representations, Warranties, and Obligations

7.1 Representations and Warranties

You represent and warrant that:

You are the lawful owner or authorized agent of the owner of the debt claim submitted.
The debt is valid, enforceable, and not barred by any applicable statute of limitations.
All information and documentation you have provided is true, accurate, and complete to the best of your knowledge.
The debt has not been previously assigned, sold, or transferred to another party.
There are no pending bankruptcy proceedings affecting the debt.
You have not and will not take any action that would impair DRE's ability to collect the debt.

7.2 Ongoing Obligations

During the recovery process, you agree to:

Cooperate with DRE and provide additional information or documentation as reasonably requested.
Refrain from communicating directly with the debtor regarding the debt after the LPOA is executed, unless DRE gives prior written consent.
Refrain from settling the debt or accepting payment directly without DRE's prior written consent.
Promptly review all documents DRE provides and notify us of any errors or concerns.
Notify DRE immediately of any change in your contact information, ownership of the debt, or bankruptcy filing by either party.

8. DRE's Rights and Obligations

8.1 Collection Methods

DRE will use commercially reasonable efforts to collect debts. Authorized collection methods include:

Written demand letters, delivered by email and certified mail.
Telephone and electronic communications with the debtor.
Negotiation of payment plans, settlements, or structured resolutions.
Pre-lien notices for construction claims.
Referral to partner law firms for litigation or lien filing at Tiers 2.5 and 4.
Any other lawful means consistent with applicable law.

8.2 Compliance with Law

All DRE collection activities are conducted in compliance with:

The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA), 15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq.
The Texas Finance Code, Chapter 392 (Texas Debt Collection Act).
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), 47 U.S.C. § 227.
The Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), 15 U.S.C. § 1681 et seq., where applicable.
All other applicable federal, state, and local laws.

8.3 DRE Discretion

DRE retains sole discretion over:

Whether to accept a claim for recovery.
The collection strategies and escalation timing used.
Settlement amounts and payment terms offered to debtors.
Whether to pursue legal action or refer a claim to counsel.

8.4 No Guarantee of Recovery

DRE makes no guarantee or warranty that any debt will be collected. We use commercially reasonable efforts, but recovery depends on factors beyond our control, including the debtor's financial condition, location, and willingness to pay.

9. Dispute Resolution

9.1 Internal Dispute Resolution

If you have a dispute regarding our Services, you must first notify DRE in writing at the contact address provided on the Site or at the end of these Terms. DRE will review your dispute and respond within 30 calendar days. Both parties agree to attempt in good faith to resolve the dispute before initiating formal proceedings.

9.2 Debtor Disputes

If a debtor disputes the validity of a debt during the collection process, DRE will:

Cease collection activities pending verification.
Provide the debtor with verification of the debt as required by the FDCPA.
Notify you of the dispute and request any additional supporting documentation.

9.3 Binding Arbitration

All disputes arising out of or relating to these Terms, the Services, or any claim submitted to DRE — except those listed in Section 9.5 — shall be resolved exclusively through binding individual arbitration. The arbitration will be administered by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) under its Consumer Arbitration Rules or Commercial Arbitration Rules, as applicable.

The arbitration will be conducted by a single neutral arbitrator in Travis County, Texas, unless the parties agree otherwise. The arbitrator's decision shall be final and binding and may be entered as a judgment in any court of competent jurisdiction. Each party shall bear its own costs and attorney fees, unless the arbitrator determines that an award of fees is warranted under applicable law.

9.4 Class Action Waiver

All claims must be brought in your individual capacity, and not as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class, collective, or representative proceeding. The arbitrator may not consolidate more than one person's claims and may not otherwise preside over any form of a representative or class proceeding. If this class action waiver is found to be unenforceable, the class claim must proceed in court rather than in arbitration.

9.5 Exceptions to Arbitration

The following claims are not subject to arbitration:

Claims brought in small claims court, if they qualify under applicable jurisdictional limits.
Claims for injunctive or equitable relief regarding unauthorized use of the Services or DRE's intellectual property.
Claims under the FDCPA or Texas Finance Code that, by law, cannot be compelled to arbitration.

9.6 Governing Law

These Terms and any disputes arising under them shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Texas, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. Federal law governs where applicable, including claims arising under the FDCPA, FCRA, and TCPA.

10. Limitation of Liability and Disclaimers

10.1 Disclaimers

The Site and Services are provided on an "as is" and "as available" basis, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement.

DRE makes no warranty that any debt will be collected or that the Services will be uninterrupted, error-free, or completely secure. Content on the Site, AI-assisted claim analysis, and communications from DRE are for informational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is created by your use of the Services.

DRE is not responsible for the acts or omissions of third-party platforms used in connection with the Services, including Proof.com, LetterStream, Stripe, and partner law firms.

10.2 Limitation of Damages

To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, DRE, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates shall not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages, including but not limited to loss of profits, loss of business opportunity, loss of data, or loss of goodwill, arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Services, even if DRE has been advised of the possibility of such damages.

10.3 Liability Cap

DRE's total liability to you for any claim arising out of or relating to these Terms or the Services shall not exceed the lesser of:

The amount of fees actually paid by you to DRE for the specific claim giving rise to the liability, or
Five hundred dollars ($500.00).

10.4 Force Majeure

DRE shall not be liable for delays or failures in performance resulting from causes beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, natural disasters, war, civil unrest, pandemics, government actions, or internet or utility outages.

11. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless DRE, its officers, directors, employees, agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorney fees) arising out of or relating to:

Your breach of these Terms or any representation or warranty made herein.
Your submission of false, fraudulent, or inaccurate information.
Your violation of any applicable law, including the FDCPA and Texas Finance Code.
Your direct communication with the debtor after the LPOA is executed without DRE's prior written consent.
Any claim that the debt you submitted is invalid, unenforceable, or not owned by you.
Any act or omission by you that impairs DRE's ability to collect the debt.

12. Intellectual Property

12.1 DRE Content

All content on the Site — including text, graphics, logos, software, documentation, and AI models and tools — is the property of DRE or its licensors and is protected by copyright, trademark, and other intellectual property laws.

12.2 Limited License

DRE grants you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, revocable license to access and use the Site and Services for their intended purpose.

12.3 Restrictions

You may not:

Copy, modify, distribute, or create derivative works of Site content without DRE's prior written consent.
Use any data mining, robots, scrapers, or similar automated data-gathering tools on the Site.
Reverse engineer, decompile, or disassemble any aspect of the Site or Services.

13. Privacy and Acceptable Use

13.1 Privacy Policy

DRE's Privacy Policy, available at Privacy Policy, is incorporated into these Terms by reference. The Privacy Policy describes how DRE collects, uses, stores, shares, and protects your personal information.

13.2 Acceptable Use Policy

DRE's Acceptable Use Policy (AUP), available at Acceptable Use Policy, is incorporated into these Terms by reference. The AUP defines acceptable and prohibited conduct when using the Site and Services. Violations of the AUP are violations of these Terms and may result in account suspension or termination.

14. Termination

14.1 Termination by Client

You may terminate your account at any time by providing written notice to DRE. Termination does not affect:

Obligations under any active LPOA.
Fees owed for services already rendered.
Any provision of these Terms that by its nature survives termination, including Sections 6, 7, 9, 10, and 11.

14.2 Termination by DRE

DRE may suspend or terminate your access to the Services at any time, with or without cause, including if DRE reasonably believes you have violated these Terms or the AUP. DRE will provide notice of termination where practicable.

14.3 Effect of Termination

Upon termination:

You must cease all use of the Services.
Active collection efforts on pending claims will cease, and any active LPOA will be terminated.
DRE retains the right to collect its fees for work performed prior to termination.
Your data will be handled in accordance with the Privacy Policy's retention schedule.

15. General Provisions

Entire Agreement. These Terms, together with the Privacy Policy, Acceptable Use Policy, and any per-claim service agreement, constitute the entire agreement between you and DRE regarding the Services.

Amendment. DRE may modify these Terms at any time. Changes will be effective upon posting to the Site. Material changes will be communicated to you via email (if on file) and/or a Site notice. Your continued use of the Services after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the modified Terms.

Severability. If any provision of these Terms is found to be invalid or unenforceable, that provision shall be severed, and the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

Waiver. DRE's failure to enforce any provision of these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of that provision or any other provision.

Assignment. You may not assign your rights or obligations under these Terms without DRE's prior written consent. DRE may assign these Terms without restriction.

Notices. All written notices to DRE must be sent to the contact information provided at the end of these Terms. Notices to you will be sent to the email address associated with your account.

Survival. Sections related to fees, indemnification, limitation of liability, arbitration, governing law, and any other provisions that by their nature should survive, will survive termination of these Terms.

16. Contact Information

For questions, disputes, or notices under these Terms, contact:

Debt Recovery Experts (DRE) [Street Address] [City], TX Email: support@debtrecoveryexperts.com Phone: [Phone] Website: https://debtrecoveryexperts.com

⚠️ ATTORNEY REVIEW REQUIRED: This document must be reviewed by a licensed Texas attorney before publication. Key review items: arbitration enforceability under Texas and federal law, liability cap compliance with Texas Finance Code Chapter 392, FDCPA carve-outs and applicability to B2B commercial collections, LPOA scope language per Texas Estates Code, and incorporation-by-reference validity for the Privacy Policy and AUP.