Enforcement methods compared
| Method | How it works | Works best when |
|---|---|---|
| Writ of control (High Court enforcement) | High Court Enforcement Officers attend and take control of goods to sell. County court judgments of £600 or more can be transferred up for this. | The debtor has business premises, stock, equipment or vehicles. |
| Third party debt order | Freezes money in the debtor's bank account, or money owed to the debtor by others, and orders it paid to you. | The debtor holds funds in a UK bank account. |
| Charging order | Secures the judgment against land or property the debtor owns, with the option of an order for sale. | The debtor owns property in England and Wales. |
| Order to obtain information | The debtor, or an officer of a debtor company, must attend court and answer questions about assets. | You need to find out what the debtor owns. |
| Attachment of earnings | Deductions are taken from an individual debtor's wages. | The debtor is an employed individual. |
| Statutory demand and winding-up or bankruptcy | Insolvency proceedings put pressure on a debtor that is able to pay but refuses. | The judgment is unpaid and the debtor is avoiding payment. |
Choosing the right route
The right method depends on what the debtor owns. Before spending money on enforcement, we carry out checks such as company and Land Registry searches to identify assets, and we recommend the most cost-effective route. Often two methods run side by side.
Judgments carry interest. High Court judgments, and county court judgments of £5,000 or more, attract interest at 8% a year until paid. Time also matters: after six years, a writ of control needs the court's permission, so enforcement should not be left to drift.
Common questions
What if the debtor has no assets?
We check before you spend money on enforcement. A company that appears to have no assets may still pay when faced with a winding-up petition, and in some cases directors' conduct can be investigated.
Can I add interest to my judgment?
Usually, yes. High Court judgments and county court judgments of £5,000 or more carry interest at 8% a year, and we include it in the enforcement figures.
How long does enforcement take?
It depends on the method. A third party debt order can freeze funds within weeks; a charging order and sale of property takes longer.
Judgment still unpaid? Request a call back using the form, or call 0800 037 1305 (international callers +44 1482 616 616).
