A County Court Judgment does not collect itself. If the debtor does not pay, the court will not normally start enforcement automatically. The best method depends on what the debtor has: goods, employment, bank funds or property.
Find out what the debtor has first
An order to obtain information under Part 71 of the Civil Procedure Rules can require an individual debtor, or an officer of a debtor company, to attend court, produce documents and answer questions on oath. Failure to comply can ultimately amount to contempt of court.
Land Registry and Companies House searches can also help. Keep the evidence organised, as explained in our guide on building an evidence file that stands up in court.
The main routes compared
| Method | Works best when | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Warrant of control | The debtor has goods and the County Court can enforce the amount | Goods may be exempt or have little resale value |
| Writ of control | A qualifying judgment is at least £600 | Consumer Credit Act-regulated judgments cannot be transferred |
| Charging order | The debtor has an interest in property or certain assets | Secures the debt but does not force a sale |
| Attachment of earnings | An individual debtor is employed | Not available against companies or the self-employed |
| Third party debt order | A bank or third party holds the debtor’s money | Normally freezes only money held when the interim order is served |
| Bankruptcy petition | An individual owes at least £5,000 | Expensive and recovery is not guaranteed |
Transferring up to the High Court
For enforcement against goods, a judgment between £600 and £5,000 can generally be enforced through the County Court or High Court. If more than £5,000 is being enforced by control, High Court enforcement is normally required. A judgment arising from a Consumer Credit Act 1974 regulated agreement must remain in the County Court.
Current charges are in the civil and family court fee list; our note on recent court and tribunal fee increases covers the July 2026 changes.
Interest, deadlines and the register
County Court judgment debts of at least £5,000 generally carry statutory interest at 8% a year, subject to exceptions. Smaller judgments do not automatically earn post-judgment interest, although another contractual or statutory right to interest may apply.
A CCJ does not simply become unenforceable after six years. Under CPR Part 83, however, court permission is normally required to issue certain warrants or writs where six years or more have elapsed.
A monetary CCJ normally remains on the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines for six years. If paid within one calendar month, it can be removed; if paid later, it normally remains but can be marked satisfied. You can check Registry Trust’s public register through TrustOnline.
Where the debt came from still matters
For tenancy debts, see when a tenancy guarantee can be challenged and documenting rent arrears properly. Where possession is involved, our landlord and tenant eviction services can help. Tenants may need our housing disrepair solicitors in London, while landlords should consider managing disrepair counterclaims.
Business-premises judgments may require our commercial lease solicitors in London. If the debtor has died, our probate solicitors in London can advise. For procedure generally, see choosing the right court route for a civil dispute.
Frequently asked questions
How long do you have to enforce a CCJ?
There is no single six-year expiry rule. For warrants and writs covered by CPR Part 83, permission is normally required after six years.
What happens if the debtor has no money or assets?
Enforcement may recover nothing. Check likely assets and income before paying another fee.
Can bailiffs force entry for a CCJ?
Usually not into a private home for an ordinary civil judgment. Different rules can apply to commercial premises and certain debts.
Can you use more than one enforcement method?
Yes. Different methods can be used where legally appropriate.
Talk to us before you spend another fee
Send us the judgment and what you know about the debtor. Speak to our solicitors in North London on 020 3581 9293 or email info@atalawsolicitors.com.