Understanding the situation

A financial judgment confirms, through a court decision, that a specific amount is payable. Many judgment debtors pay once a decision is final; others do not, whether because of inability, disagreement or delay. In that case the creditor generally needs to ask the competent authority to enforce the decision using the tools available under the applicable procedure.

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Possible options

  • Inviting the debtor to pay or agree a schedule now that the decision exists.
  • Applying to open enforcement proceedings, subject to the procedural requirements and the status of the judgment.
  • Providing the enforcement file with whatever is known about the debtor's assets, accounts, vehicles, property or receivables.
  • Agreeing a documented settlement during enforcement where that is commercially sensible.

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Practical steps

  1. 1Confirm the status of the judgment (for example whether it is final or subject to appeal) with your adviser.
  2. 2Assemble the judgment, any earlier court documents and proof of amounts already paid.
  3. 3List what you know about the debtor: legal name, licence details, addresses, bank relationships, known assets.
  4. 4Decide whether a final written demand makes sense before enforcement.
  5. 5Keep a running ledger of costs and receipts throughout the process.