Warrant of Execution
A warrant of execution
You can ask the county court bailiff to try to get back any amount up to £5,000. You cannot ask the county court to issue a warrant for more than this, but you can transfer your judgment to the High Court. See A writ of Fi Fa.
If you want to issue a warrant in the county court, you will need Form N323 (request to issue a warrant of execution). You can also get this form free of charge from any county court office. If you started your claim using Money Claim Online you can submit a request for a warrant of execution online. Log on to www.moneyclaim.gov.uk for further information.
How to Fill in A Warrant of Execution
The diagram below gives information about how to fill in the form.
The fees (as of February 2007):
To issue a warrant of execution to recover a sum of money:
- where the sum to be recovered is not more than £125 = £35
- where the sum to be recovered is more than £125 = £55
To issue a warrant of delivery of goods £95
To reissue a warrant of execution or delivery at a new address, except for a further attempt at enforcement following suspension £25.
To issue a warrant for recovery of a property/land (possession) £95
Where a warrant of delivery of goods or for recovery of a property/land also includes a claim for money, no additional fee is payable.
Writ of Fi Fa
A writ of fi fa (short for the Latin term fieri facias) is the High Court equivalent of a warrant of execution. It is an order to the Authorised High Court Enforcement Officer to seize and sell goods.
A writ of fi fa can only be issued for the full amount of the judgment debt, and must be for at least £600.00.
Authorised High Court Enforcement Officers operate differently from county court bailiffs as the following illustrates.
County Court Bailiff:
- Will tell the judgment debtor in advance of their intention to levy
- Attends 10am - 4pm on weekdays only
- A fee of £20 (fee 12.2) is payable if the warrant of execution is to be executed at a new address
- Is a salaried public sector employee
- Can only execute a warrant for up to £5000
Authorised High Court Enforcement Officer:
- No notice is given
- Will make at least 3 attempts to contact the judgment debtor, including early and late visits on any day of the week
- Will pursue the debtor at other addresses within the county boundary at no extra cost. C
- Can force entry into commercial properties, including shops
- Is in the private sector and paid by results
- Writs of fi fa have no limit
