Debt and Civil Claims

Overview

Civil money claims and debt recovery are governed by the Civil Procedure Rules with specific Pre-Action Protocols. Claims under £10,000 are small claims; £10,000–£25,000 fast track; £25,000–£100,000 intermediate (since October 2023); above £100,000 multi-track. Enforcement methods include warrants of control (bailiffs), High Court enforcement (over £600), charging orders, attachment of earnings, and third-party debt orders. For debtors, Breathing Space provides a 60-day pause, and IVAs / DROs / bankruptcy are the formal insolvency options.

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When to get advice

Free debt advice: StepChange, National Debtline, Citizens Advice. For high-value or contested claims, instruct a litigation solicitor. For insolvency-route advice, see an Insolvency Practitioner (R3 list).