Charging Order

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This guidance is also available in pdf format.

The aim of this guidance is to give you a general idea of the processes of Charging Orders, and cannot explain everything about court rules and procedures. If you are unsure about the procedures set out in the guidance or any procedural matters which arise once you have issued your application, ask a member of staff at any county court. If a legal issue arises you must ask help from an advice agency, law centre or a solicitor. To locate your nearest solicitor or advice agency please search the CLS directory.

If you receive any payments from the defendant during the course of enforcement proceedings, you must let the court know immediately. This is especially important if payment is made before a hearing is due to take place.

What is a Charging Order?

It is an order of the court placing a 'charge' on the judgment debtor's property, such as a house or a piece of land. The charge will be the amount you are owed. The charging order will not normally get you your money immediately, but it may safeguard your money for the future.

If the judgment debtor owns stocks or shares or has a fund or money in court, the court can also put a charge on these in much the same way as on property.