How can I find out what assets a debtor has?

If a debtor does not pay a County Court Judgment, you can use Form N316, known as an Order to Obtain Information. This requires the debtor to attend court and disclose their assets, helping you identify the best way to recover the money owed.

What methods are available to enforce a County Court Judgment?

You have several options: using County Court bailiffs via a warrant of control, High Court enforcement for debts of £600 or more, a charging order on property, an attachment of earnings order, or a third-party debt order on bank accounts. The total process can take between one and twelve months depending on the method chosen.

When can I use High Court enforcement instead of bailiffs?

High Court enforcement is an option for debts of £600 or more. Other methods include using County Court bailiffs, applying for a charging order on property, using an attachment of earnings order, or obtaining a third-party debt order against bank accounts.

What is the first step to start the enforcement process?

The first step is to file the relevant court form and pay the required court fee. After this, the enforcement action proceeds, which may involve a bailiff visit, registering a charge, or making an earnings deduction order, depending on the method you selected.

How long does debt enforcement usually take?

The duration varies based on the enforcement method used. The entire process, from applying to recovery, typically takes between one and twelve months. Factors such as the type of order and the debtor's response can influence this timeline.

All Legal Journeys

Civil Procedure

England & Wales

4 stages

1–12 months depending on method

Reviewed 2026-05-22

Debt enforcement journey (post-judgment)

Enforce a CCJ via the County Court bailiffs, High Court enforcement, charging order, attachment of earnings, or third-party debt order.

This page mainly applies to England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland may have different rules — check the jurisdiction before relying on this information.

Who Uses This Journey

Creditors with a CCJ who need to enforce against a non-paying debtor.

Stage-by-Stage Timeline

Information about the debtor

Use Form N316 — Order to Obtain Information. Debtor must attend court to disclose assets.

Forms at This Stage

N316

Choose enforcement method

Warrant of control (bailiffs); High Court enforcement for £600+; charging order on property; attachment of earnings; third-party debt order on bank accounts.

Possible Outcomes

Recovery via chosen method
Insolvency referral

Apply

File the relevant form and pay the court fee.

Enforcement

Bailiff visits, charge registered, earnings deduction order made.

Official Sources

Make a court claim — enforce

Frequently asked questions

How can I find out what assets a debtor has?: If a debtor does not pay a County Court Judgment, you can use Form N316, known as an Order to Obtain Information. This requires the debtor to attend court and disclose their assets, helping you identify the best way to recover the money owed.
What methods are available to enforce a County Court Judgment?: You have several options: using County Court bailiffs via a warrant of control, High Court enforcement for debts of £600 or more, a charging order on property, an attachment of earnings order, or a third-party debt order on bank accounts. The total process can take between one and twelve months depending on the method chosen.
When can I use High Court enforcement instead of bailiffs?: High Court enforcement is an option for debts of £600 or more. Other methods include using County Court bailiffs, applying for a charging order on property, using an attachment of earnings order, or obtaining a third-party debt order against bank accounts.
What is the first step to start the enforcement process?: The first step is to file the relevant court form and pay the required court fee. After this, the enforcement action proceeds, which may involve a bailiff visit, registering a charge, or making an earnings deduction order, depending on the method you selected.
How long does debt enforcement usually take?: The duration varies based on the enforcement method used. The entire process, from applying to recovery, typically takes between one and twelve months. Factors such as the type of order and the debtor's response can influence this timeline.