# DRE Portal Technical Specifications

## Claim Numbering & Client IDs

| Type | Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Claim number | `DRE-YYYY-NNNN` | DRE-2026-0001 |
| Client ID | `CLT-YYYY-NNNN` | CLT-2026-0001 |

Both auto-generated on claim submission / account creation.

## Closed Case Binders

On case close, two PDF binders are auto-generated:

**Binder 1 — DRE Internal:** `DRE-YYYY-NNNN_CLOSED_DRE.pdf`
- Intake, evidence, AI claim analysis, AI debtor research, AI weakness analysis, internal notes, signed/notarized LPOA, certified mail receipts, communication log, settlement, fee disclosure, payment confirmation

**Binder 2 — Client Package:** `DRE-YYYY-NNNN_CLOSED_Client.pdf`
- Claim summary, signed/notarized LPOA, settlement/payment confirmation, fee statement
- **EXCLUDES:** AI analysis, debtor research, internal notes

**Evidence Archive:** `DRE-YYYY-NNNN_evidence.zip` — original uploaded documents

On case close, PDF text is extracted and stored in the database for full-text search. Future: Paperless-ngx if volume exceeds 500+ cases.

## Full 5-Phase Workflow

### Phase 1 — Intake
- Client submits claim at debtrecoveryexperts.com
- Form order: Your Info → Debtor Info → Claim Details → Documents
- reCAPTCHA verification before submit
- Terms of Service signed via DocuSeal
- Auto-generated claim number assigned
- Claim enters DRE queue

### Phase 2 — AI Review
- AI Claim Analysis (Claude Opus 4.7) → score + weakness report
- AI Debtor Research (ScrapingAnt + Sherlock) → skip tracing, LinkedIn, property records
- Texas Secretary of State business search (if debtor is a registered TX business) — scraped via ScrapingAnt
- Team reviews in DRE dashboard → Approve / Request More Docs / Reject

### Phase 3 — Legal Setup
- LPOA sent to client via DocuSeal
- Client signs → notarized via Proof (online RON)
- DRE now authorized to collect on client's behalf

### Phase 4 — Tiered Recovery

| Tier | Action | Timeline | DRE-led? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soft Touch — email + ACH link | Day 1-5 | ✅ Yes |
| 2 | Formal Demand — certified mail via LetterStream | Day 7-14 | ✅ Yes |
| 2.5 | Lien Threat — pre-lien notice (construction claims) | Day 15-21 | ⚠️ Notice only; filing needs attorney |
| 3 | Escalation — final notice | Day 21-30 | ✅ Yes |
| 4 | Legal Action — referral to partner law firm | Day 30+ | ❌ Referral |

### Phase 5 — Settlement
- Payment collected via Stripe ACH
- DRE fee deducted per tier schedule
- Costs deducted (notary, certified mail, filing fees)
- Balance disbursed to client
- Case closed → two binders auto-generated

## Fee Structure

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

Example for $15,000 claim:
- Tier 1: DRE $3,300 (22%) · Client $11,700
- Tier 2: DRE $4,500 (30%) · Client $10,500
- Tier 3: DRE $4,950 (33%) · Client $10,050
- Tier 4: DRE $1,500 + Firm $3,750 · Client $9,750

## Repeat Clients

- Account-based system with login
- ToS signed once, pre-filled info on new claims
- Dashboard: active cases (with tier progress indicator), past cases with outcomes, payment history
- Client can download their own case binders
- Optional loyalty pricing after 3+ claims

## Client Portal — Tier Progress Indicator

Visual 4-step progress bar in the active claim card:
- Each tier: numbered circle (green=complete, blue=current, gray=pending)
- Connecting lines between circles
- Label centered under each circle
- Text summary below: "✓ Tier 1 complete · Tier 2 in progress · Tier 3 pending · Tier 4 pending"

## Required Services (not yet configured)

| Service | Purpose | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Proof.com | Online notarization (LPOA) | ❌ Need account |
| LetterStream | Certified mail to debtor | ❌ Need account |
| Stripe Connect | ACH payments + disbursement | ❌ Need keys |
| Partner law firm | Litigation (Tier 4) | ❌ Need referral agreement |
| Google reCAPTCHA | Anti-spam on intake form | ❌ Need site key |

## Texas Secretary of State Integration

For debtor businesses registered in Texas, the AI Debtor Research step should scrape the TX SoS business search to retrieve:
- Business status (active/forfeited/dissolved)
- Registered agent name and address
- Filing date
- Annual report compliance status
- Officers/directors

This is an additional skip tracing layer that informs the debtor profile score.