What Should I Do If the Defendant Doesn’t Pay After a Court Judgment in the UK?

Question from Opal, What Should I Do If the Defendant Doesn’t Pay After a Court Judgment in the UK?

Answer from AI:

When a court has ruled in your favour, but the defendant fails to pay the judgment, it can be a frustrating situation. In the UK, there are several steps you can take to enforce the judgment and recover your money.

Enforcing the Court Judgment

If the defendant does not pay, you can apply to the court to enforce the judgment. This can be done through several methods:

• Warrant of Control: This allows court bailiffs to take goods from the debtor’s home or business to sell at auction to cover the debt.
• Attachment of Earnings Order: This requires the debtor’s employer to deduct money from their wages to pay the debt.
• Third Party Debt Order: This freezes money in the debtor’s bank account.
• Charging Order: This secures the debt against the debtor’s property or land.

You can find more information about these methods on the UK Government’s website.

Contacting the Defendant

While you can try to contact the defendant, it’s not necessary and may not be effective if they are avoiding payment. It’s often more productive to focus on legal methods of enforcement.

Seeking Legal Advice

Enforcing a court judgment can be a complex process, and it may be beneficial to seek legal advice. A solicitor can guide you through the process and help you choose the best method of enforcement for your situation. The Law Society can help you find a solicitor in your area.

Remember, this information is a general guide and not a substitute for professional legal advice. Always consult with a legal professional for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.