Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of frequently asked questions.
However, should your question not be answered below, please feel free to Contact us
How long does a Writ last?
The Writ lasts for 1 year from the date of issue. It can be renewed free of charge before expiry. However, if the Writ has expired the Court will charge £60.00 to reissue it. Read more about this in our article.
What will it cost me if the debt is unenforceable?
There is an industry regulated (High Court Enforcement Officers Association) minimum abortive fee of £60.00 plus VAT per address we are directed to. Read more about this in our article.
What if I do a deal with the defendant outside the enforcement process, who pays your fees?
You will be liable for our full fees should this be the case. We would ask that once the enforcement process has started you allow us to continue until such time as the debt is repaid in full.
If the defendant has moved from the address I gave you what should I do?
If the defendant makes an application to set judgment aside can you continue enforcement?
Yes, but we would usually request your permission first.
If you remove goods and sell them what happens to any surplus funds?
After payment of the judgment, interest, costs, fees and charges have been settled any surplus would be repaid to the defendant. Read more about this in our article.
If the goods removed are sold and they do not cover the full balance, what happens next?
Our Enforcement Officers would advise if there may be further assets. If there is, then they would return to remove these also. If not, we would request your further information on any further assets you may be aware of. Read more about this in our article.
If goods are removed where will they be sold?
In the unlikely event that goods are removed they will be sold by public auction. This may be a physical auction or an online auction. Very occasionally we can sell goods by private treaty but would need the authority of either the Court or the defendant. Read more about this in our article.
At which point do you collect your lawful fees?
Our fees are collected in the first instance as the majority of cases are paid in full on the first visit. If we do not recover at least double the amount of our fees we will split the amount recovered 50/50.
Can you remove goods owned by other people?
No. However, if they are part of the seizure and ownership has been claimed but not been proved then we would request that you either admit or deny the claim. Read more about this in our article.
Is it likely that goods will be removed from the defendant?
No. Usually the attendance of an Enforcement Officer and the threat of removal will result in payment. Less than 1% of all cases end in removal.
Once you have collected the monies due, how long will it be before I receive them?
We legally have to hold the funds for 14 days. Payment will be issued after this period. Read more about this in our article.
How quickly will an enforcement officer attend the address as directed?
We aim to have an enforcement officer in attendance within 24 - 72 hours.
Can you force entry into commercial premises?
Yes, but we would request your instructions to do so first. Read more about this in our article.
How long does it take to ‘transfer up’ my Judgment or Order to the High Court for enforcement?
This depends on the speediness of the issuing County Court. We would advise 28 days, however many are quicker than this. You can speed up the process by personally attending the issuing Court and having part 2 of the Form N293A sealed. Once we have received the sealed Form N293A from the court we will arrange for the Writ to be sealed by the High Court (or district registry) within 24 hours. Read more about this in our article.
Does my County Court Judgment (CCJ) or Order become a High Court Judgment?
No, it remains a County Court Judgment and is only passed to the High Court for the purposes of enforcement. Any representations by either party would still be made to the issuing county court. Read more about this in our article.
How much does is cost to get a Writ of Fieri Facias (Fi-Fa) or Writ of Possession?
Her Majesty’s Courts & Tribunals Service (HMCTS) charges £60.00 to issue this document
My Judgment or Order is fairly old, can I still use the High Court for enforcement?
We can enforce Judgments or Orders up to 6 years of age. Read more about this in our article.
What additional information on the defendant do you need from me?
The more information you can provide the better the chances of successful enforcement. If you can, provide details of the following:- what the debt relates to, any additional addresses, phone numbers, places of work, vehicle details, asset details and any other information that may assist enforcement. Read more about this in our article.
I already have a Judgment or Order over £600 (including costs), what should I do?
Simply send it to us along with our completed and signed Instruction Form and court fee and we will handle the rest FREE OF CHARGE. Read more about this in our article.
Why should I use High Court Enforcement Officers instead of County Court Bailiffs?
Simple. Our success rate is far, far higher. County Court Bailiffs are salaried civil servants whereas we are paid on results. It is also £40 cheaper to issue a Writ of Fieri Facias (Fi-Fa) than the Warrant of Execution needed by the County Court Bailiffs. Furthermore County Court Bailiffs cannot enforce Judgments or Orders over £5,000. Read more about this in our article.
I am owed money but haven’t got Judgment yet, what do I do?
My question isn’t listed here, what should I do?
You should Contact us and we will answer your question accordingly.