A Practical Guide for International Clients.
As a law firm based in London, we regularly assist international clients who have obtained a judgment in England and Wales — or who wish to enforce a foreign judgment registered or recognised here — but are unfamiliar with the local enforcement options.
In England and Wales, having a judgment is only the first step. If the debtor (the party who owes you money) does not pay voluntarily, there are several effective legal tools available to enforce the judgment and recover what you are owed.
Below is a simple overview of the main methods of enforcement, typical costs and timeframes — written for clients who are not experts in English law.
1. Bailiff / Enforcement Agent Action (Taking Control of Goods)
How it works: Court-appointed agents visit the debtor’s premises, take legal control of goods (for example, vehicles or equipment), and sell them to pay the debt.
Good for: Quick action where the debtor has valuable goods.
Costs & Fees:
- Court fee: £83 (County Court) or £71 (High Court transfer fee)
- Solicitor’s fees: approx. £1,000 + VAT
- Timeframe: typically 2–4 weeks from application to first enforcement visit.
2. Attachment of Earnings Order
How it works: If the debtor is an individual and employed, the court can order their employer to deduct a portion of their salary until the debt is paid.
Good for: Salaried individuals.
Costs & Fees:
- Court fee: £14
- Solicitor’s fees: approx. £750 + VAT
- Timeframe: usually 6–10 weeks.
3. Charging Order (on Property or Land)
How it works: A legal charge is registered on the debtor’s property. If the property is sold, you will be paid out of the proceeds. In some cases, you can ask the court to force a sale.
Good for: Debtors who own valuable real estate.
Costs & Fees:
- Court fee: £119
- Land Registry fee: £20–£45
- Solicitor’s fees: approx. £2,000 - 2,500 + VAT
- Timeframe: typically 2–3 months to register.
4. Third Party Debt Order (Freezing Bank Accounts)
How it works: The court can freeze money held in a bank account or owed to the debtor by a third party, and order it to be paid to you.
Good for: When you know the debtor’s bank account details.
Costs & Fees:
- Court fee: £59
- Solicitor’s fees: approx. £2,000 – £2,500 + VAT
- Timeframe: typically 4–6 weeks.
5. Insolvency Proceedings (Bankruptcy or Winding-Up)
How it works: You can apply to make an individual debtor bankrupt or wind up a company that refuses to pay. This puts significant pressure on the debtor to settle.
Good for: Larger debts or where other enforcement options have failed.
Costs & Fees:
- Statutory Demand: £1,000+VAT (including Process server fee for personal service to the debtor)
- Bankruptcy petition: approx. £4,500 +VAT (including solicitor fees and disbursements, but excluding non automatically refundable Court Deposit of £1,500)
- Winding-up petition (for companies): approx. £4,500 + VAT (including solicitor fees and disbursements, but excluding non automatically refundable Court Deposit of £2,600)
- Timeframe: varies — 3–6 months depending on response.
Why Work with a London Solicitor?
- We handle all stages of enforcement — from advising on the best method to managing court procedures and liaising with enforcement agents.
- We help international clients navigate the English system, ensuring clear communication and transparent costs.
- Many enforcement costs are recoverable from the debtor if enforcement is successful.
If you have a judgment to enforce in England and Wales, or would like advice on which method is most likely to succeed, we are happy to assist.
Contact us for an initial consultation — we will give you clear, practical advice tailored to your case and your budget.
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