If you have a County Court Judgment (CCJ) in your favour but are still waiting to receive payment, you’re not alone. Many creditors are surprised to learn that winning a CCJ is just the first step in recovering a debt. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explain how you can take control of the situation and turn your judgment into actual money through county court enforcement options.
At Shergroup, we specialise in helping clients enforce County Court Judgments efficiently and effectively, guiding you through the legal process with expert support.
Understanding County Court Judgments (CCJs)
A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a formal decision issued by the County Court in England and Wales. It confirms that a debtor legally owes a specific sum of money. Once issued, the debtor has one month to pay the full amount to prevent the judgment from being recorded on their credit report for six years.
A CCJ is enforceable for six years, making it a powerful tool—but only if followed up with appropriate enforcement measures.
What Is County Court Enforcement?
County court enforcement refers to the legal processes available to enforce a judgment when a debtor fails to pay. If the debtor does not voluntarily settle the debt, you can pursue various methods to recover the money, including transferring the case to the High Court or instructing County Court bailiffs.
However, not all enforcement options are created equal. Transferring a County Court Judgment to the High Court for enforcement can be faster and more effective, particularly for debts over £600.
Steps to Enforce a County Court Judgment
Step 1: Wait for One Month Post-Judgment
Give the debtor one month from the date of the judgment to pay. If they fail to pay within this window, the CCJ will be recorded on their credit file and may affect their ability to obtain credit in the future.
Step 2: Decide on an Enforcement Route
Depending on the amount owed and the debtor’s circumstances, your enforcement options include:
- County Court Bailiffs (for debts under £600)
- High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs) (for debts over £600)
- Attachment of Earnings Orders (if the debtor is employed)
- Charging Orders (secured against property)
- Third Party Debt Orders (freezing money in bank accounts)
Shergroup can help you evaluate the best route for your case.
Step 3: County Court Transfer to the High Court
For debts exceeding £600, we recommend transferring the judgment to the High Court. Our team can assist you in filing Form N293A to obtain a High Court Writ of Control, empowering High Court Enforcement Officers to seize goods or assets.
Step 4: Instruct Enforcement Agents
Once your case is transferred, authorised High Court Enforcement Officers will visit the debtor’s premises. If payment is not made, they may take control of goods to sell at auction.
Step 5: Recover Your Debt or Secure a Payment Arrangement
Many debtors pay immediately after a visit from enforcement agents. If they cannot pay in full, we can negotiate a Controlled Goods Agreement to collect payments in instalments.
Why Choose Shergroup?
Shergroup is a trusted name in the enforcement sector. With decades of experience, we offer:
- Free initial CCJ review
- Expert advice on enforcement strategy
- Seamless County Court transfer to High Court
- Transparent costs and competitive pricing
- A professional and respectful approach to debt recovery
FAQs About County Court Enforcement
Q1: How long is a County Court Judgment enforceable?
A CCJ is enforceable for six years from the date of judgment.
Q2: Can I transfer my County Court Judgment to the High Court?
Yes, you can transfer your CCJ to the High Court for enforcement if the debt exceeds £600 and is not covered by the Consumer Credit Act.
Q3: What happens if the debtor has no assets?
If no seizable assets are found, the enforcement officer will report back. In some cases, further options like charging orders or bankruptcy may be considered.
Q4: Do I need a solicitor to enforce a County Court Judgment?
No, you can work directly with enforcement specialists like Shergroup to manage the process cost-effectively.
Q5: What is a County Court Transfer?
It refers to the process of moving enforcement of your judgment from the County Court to the High Court to access more effective enforcement tools.
Final Thoughts | Don’t Let Your CCJ Go to Waste
A County Court Judgment is only valuable if enforced. Whether you need help deciding your next steps or you’re ready to begin enforcement, Shergroup is here to support you.
Take the first step by uploading your CCJ and letting our team provide you with tailored advice. We’ll help you turn a piece of paper into real results.
Ready to discuss your enforcement needs? Contact Shergroup today:
By Phone | 020 3588 4240
Website | www.shergroup.com and you can chat to us from here
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