If legal action has taken place by a creditor to recover a debt it will take place in the County Court. In general any individual, company, partner, firm or trustee can use the county court to recover the debt they are owed. What happens now depends on the individual case that it has been ´tracked´ to:

This is for claims less than a financial value of £5,000.

The hearing will be fair, informal and the courts final decision and reason will always be given.

This track is used for cases not handled by the small claims and which has a financial value less than £15,000 and the trial is expected to complete within the day.

Multi track cases are for cases which are not dealt by either small claims or fast track courts.

Anyone dissatisfied with the outcome in a County Court can usually appeal to the Court of Appeal.

The decision from a County Court can be enforced in a number of ways:

1. By Warrant of Execution- allowing debtor´s goods to be seized.

However everyday items such as clothing which are necessary for basic living are protected from being taken. As well as equipment, tools, books, vehicles needed to run a business..

2. By Charging Order

This puts a charge on any property owned by the debtor, so any money made from a sale is used to repay the debt.

3. By Appointment of a Receiver

4. By Attachment to Earnings Order

This is an instruction to the debtor´s employer to make necessary deductions from the debtor´s earnings to repay the debt.

5. By Garnishee Order

A third party (the garnishee) is ordered to pay back the debt.