Updated October 2026 · Fraser Bond
Legal · Enforcement
Enforcing a judgment
HCEOs£600+
Chargingorders
Earningsattachment
Infoorder
In short: Winning a judgment doesn't guarantee payment. If the debtor doesn't pay, you can choose an enforcement method. Judgments of £600 or more can usually be transferred to the High Court for enforcement by High Court Enforcement Officers, who are often faster than county court bailiffs. Other options include attachment of earnings orders, charging orders over the debtor's property (which can lead to an order for sale), and third-party debt orders that freeze bank accounts. An order to obtain information makes the debtor answer questions about their finances in court.
| Method | Best when |
|---|---|
| High Court Enforcement Officers | Debtor has goods or a business |
| Attachment of earnings | Debtor is employed |
| Charging order | Debtor owns property |
| Third-party debt order | Debtor has money in a bank |
| Order to obtain information | You don't know their assets |
Enforcement options
Frequently asked questions
Can HCEOs enforce a £600 judgment?
Judgments of £600+ can usually be transferred up.
Can I force a sale of the debtor's home?
Possibly, via a charging order and order for sale.
Selling under a court order?
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