High Court Enforcement & Judgment Recovery

Recover what you’re owed, with speed, authority and confidence.

At The Jonathan Lea Network, we help businesses and individuals enforce unpaid judgments efficiently through the High Court. If a debtor has failed to pay following court proceedings, our High Court enforcement and judgment recovery service ensures your judgment is more than a piece of paper—it becomes a powerful legal instrument.

We understand how frustrating it can be to win in court but still not receive what’s rightfully yours. Our team will take swift, decisive action to enforce judgments, helping you recover money, property, or assets owed, while maintaining professionalism, transparency and respect throughout the process.

What Is High Court Enforcement?

High Court enforcement is a legal method used to recover debts by transferring a court judgment to the High Court and instructing High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs). Once a Writ of Control is obtained, HCEOs are empowered to collect the debt by seizing goods or reaching a payment arrangement with the debtor.

This approach is significantly more efficient and cost-effective than relying on County Court bailiffs. Enforcement can often begin within days, and HCEOs have wider powers and greater success rates in collecting judgment debts.

When Can You Use High Court Enforcement?

To use High Court enforcement, the following conditions must generally be met:

• You hold a County Court Judgment (CCJ) or High Court judgment
  
• The debt is at least £600
  
• The judgment is less than six years old
  
• The debt is not regulated by the Consumer Credit Act 1974 (e.g. personal loans or credit cards—these require special enforcement routes)
  

If your judgment meets these conditions, we can begin the enforcement process without delay.

Our End-to-End Enforcement Process

We offer a fully managed, transparent service tailored to SMEs, private landlords, professionals, and creditors. Here’s how the process works:

1. Initial Review and Enforcement Advice

We begin by reviewing your judgment and verifying whether it qualifies for High Court enforcement. We’ll also discuss alternative enforcement options if they may be more appropriate—such as Charging Orders, Insolvency proceedings, or Orders for Sale. You’ll receive a clear recommendation based on your circumstances.

2. Transfer to the High Court

We arrange for the County Court judgment to be transferred up to the High Court. This is done by applying for a Writ of Control—a legal document giving the HCEO authority to enforce the debt. The court fee for this step is currently £71, which we will explain in advance.

3. Notice of Enforcement

Once the Writ is sealed, the debtor is issued with a Notice of Enforcement, giving them seven clear days to pay voluntarily. Often, this stage prompts payment, avoiding the need for further action.

4. Physical Attendance and Asset Seizure

If the debt remains unpaid, an HCEO will attend the debtor’s premises to take control of goods. This may lead to:

• Immediate full payment
  
• A payment plan (Controlled Goods Agreement)
  
• Seizure and sale of goods via auction
  

Agents act swiftly and respectfully, ensuring compliance with all legal obligations while maximising the chance of recovery.

5. Monitoring, Settlement, and Closure

Throughout the enforcement process, you receive regular updates. Once funds are recovered, we deduct any fees not recoverable from the debtor and pass the remainder to you promptly. If enforcement proves unsuccessful, we’ll advise you on next steps without delay.

Types of Judgments We Enforce

Our High Court enforcement services cover a wide range of situations, including:

• Unpaid invoices and commercial debts
  
• Rent arrears (commercial landlords only)
  
• Property possession orders (e.g. squatters or tenants in breach)
  
• Employment Tribunal awards
  
• ACAS settlements
  
• Writs of Delivery (to recover specific items)
  
• Writs of Restitution (to re-enforce possession orders)
• Judgments obtained abroad and enforceable in England and Wales
  

Whether you’re enforcing a monetary judgment, seeking possession of property, or recovering specific goods, we provide the legal backing and operational strength you need.

What Makes Our Approach Different?

– Strategic Legal Insight

We don’t simply process paperwork. We provide genuine legal advice and enforcement planning based on your commercial or personal goals. We ensure you choose the right enforcement route and timing for maximum impact.

– SME-Focused and Client-Led

As a firm that regularly supports SMEs, we understand how vital cash flow and resolution are. Our enforcement support is commercial, proactive and focused on client outcomes, not just procedures.

– Fast, Efficient and National

Our enforcement agents operate across England and Wales, meaning you benefit from swift, location-agnostic service. From the moment we are instructed, your case progresses rapidly with minimal delay.

– Transparent, Ethical and Respectful

We treat all parties professionally, balancing firm enforcement with compliance. This helps protect reputations, relationships and, where appropriate, opens the door to amicable settlements.

– Costs Recovered from Debtor Where Possible

Where enforcement is successful, court fees, HCEO fees and interest are generally recoverable from the debtor, minimising your own outlay.

Take Action Today—We’re Ready to Recover What’s Yours

You’ve won the judgment. Now let us help you collect. With The Jonathan Lea Network, you gain a team that understands enforcement law, commercial strategy, and client care.

We offer:

• Prompt action within days of instruction
  
• Transparent, expert-led service
  
• SME-focused advice that protects your cashflow
  
• A committed team that stays with you from instruction to resolution

Call us now on +44 (0)1444 708 640 for a no-obligation consultation or email your judgment for immediate assessment. We’ll explain your options clearly and get enforcement underway with speed and professionalism.

Haywards Heath | Serving clients across the UK and Globally