2 Oct 2017 / Back to latest updates

Effective enforcement for debt recovery – how we can help

If you’ve obtained a CCJ against a company or individual but they still haven’t paid, the next step is enforcement action. There is a variety of options available dependent on your circumstances, including:

• Warrant of execution (County Court Bailiff) – this is for debts below £5,000. The County Court sends Bailiffs to the debtor’s address to try to obtain payment and/or remove goods that are of value that can be sold at auction – the sale of these goods is then used to pay off the debt.

• High Court Enforcement Officers – Writ of Control– to apply for this method, the debt needs to be £600 or over. The Judgment obtained at the County Court is then transferred to the High Court for a Writ of Control or Writ of Possession. High Court Enforcement Officers attend the debtor’s address (similar to Warrant of Execution).

• Attachment of Earnings Order– this is an order obtained by the court and served upon the debtor’s employer. An amount decided by the court is then deducted from the debtor’s wages and paid directly to the creditor/claimant. However, this is only applicable to debtors that are employed and not self-employed or receiving benefits.

• Charging Order- this secures the debt owed to you against the debtor’s property. If the property is then sold or remortgaged the debt will be paid if there is sufficient equity in the property.

• Bankruptcy/Winding up Petition – this is considered to be the nuclear option. The threat of such action can be very effective and will definitely focus the debtor’s mind on paying what they owe.

• Third Party Debt Order- in this case, the court orders that money owed by a third party to the debtor, is paid directly to the creditor/claimant. This type of order can also be used against a bank account in the debtor’s name; this sometimes leads, from a practical perspective, to the bank account being frozen until the date of a hearing of the application.

Our specialist debt recovery experts can advise you on the best route to maximise your recovery and guide you through each step.

For further information on possible enforcement proceedings or if you have any debt related questions please contact us.

The Debt Collection Centre recovers the debts that others can’t- powered by Devonshires Solicitors.