Principal scope: England and Wales
Scotland and Northern Ireland use different procedures

Civil enforcement information

High Court Enforcement and Writs of Control

Do not assume that every County Court judgment can be transferred to the High Court or that filing an application automatically stops execution.

Who may attend

The authorised High Court Enforcement Officer may not personally attend. Enforcement agents commonly act under the officer’s authority. Ask for the HCEO, company, writ details, judgment creditor and balance.

Potential court routes

  1. A stay of execution or other relief under CPR Part 83 and the court’s general powers.
  2. An application to set aside or vary the underlying judgment where the legal test is met.
  3. A payment or variation application where procedurally available.
  4. A CPR Part 85 claim for third-party or exempt goods.
  5. A challenge to fees or execution where the applicable rules provide a route.

Sources

  1. High Court Enforcement Officers Regulations 2004
  2. Civil Procedure Rules Part 83
  3. Civil Procedure Rules Part 85
  4. HMCTS Form N244
  5. Taking Control of Goods (Fees) Regulations 2014

Review status

Legal content reviewed against the sources identified on this page on 27 July 2026. The next review is due on 27 July 2028.