Enforcing a money judgment: an overview

by Practical Law Dispute Resolution

A practice note that provides an overview of the key points to consider when enforcing a money judgment in England and Wales. This practice note outlines the various methods of enforcement available to a judgment creditor, offering practical tips for choosing the most suitable method for particular circumstances. It explores key enforcement options, including taking control of goods, third party debt orders, charging orders, and insolvency proceedings. This practice note also addresses critical preliminary matters, such as what to check before proceeding with enforcement, how to identify a judgment debtor's assets, and the potential effect of insolvency on recovery. Furthermore, it examines complex procedural issues, including the grounds for seeking a stay of execution pending an appeal and the latest position on reforms to enforcement law under the Tribunals Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (TCEA 2007). It provides essential guidance for navigating the process of recovering a judgment debt, from initial considerations through to the various enforcement mechanisms.