The Enforcement of Judgments Office
The Enforcement of Judgments Office, or EJO, is part of the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service. nidirect, the official government website, describes it as “responsible for the enforcement of court judgments of money, goods and property”. It also enforces awards made by industrial and fair employment tribunals.
A creditor who has won a court judgment and has not been paid applies to the EJO and pays a fee up front. That fee is added to what the debtor owes.
What happens, in order
- 10 days
Notice of Intention to Enforce
The creditor sends a notice saying they intend to use the EJO. nidirect says the debt can be paid in full to the creditor within 10 days, or the creditor can be contacted about an arrangement. The EJO itself cannot take payment or set up an arrangement at this stage.
The case is accepted
If neither happens, the creditor can ask the EJO to enforce. From this point the debtor pays the extra costs.
Custody warrant
A custody warrant is issued against all the debtor’s goods and assets. It puts them under the control of the EJO, which means they cannot be sold.
Register of Judgments
The debtor’s name goes on the Register of Judgments, which is public, can be searched for up to 12 years and may affect credit.
Interview and enforcement order
The EJO can call the debtor to an examination of their means. nidirect says a realistic and reasonable offer made openly at interview “will almost always be considered favourably”. Failing to attend can lead to an arrest warrant.
The orders the EJO can make
- Attachment of earnings order. An employer deducts money from wages and sends it to the EJO.
- Instalment order. Fixed weekly or monthly payments until the debt is cleared.
- Order charging land. Money from a future sale of the debtor’s property goes to the debt first.
- Garnishee order. Money is taken directly from a bank account.
- Order appointing a receiver. Money due to the debtor, such as the proceeds of a claim, is intercepted.
- Order of seizure. Goods are taken and sold at auction.
Seizure of goods
Under an order of seizure the EJO can
- Enter any land occupied or used by the debtor, their spouse or their dependants.
- In some circumstances, enter land occupied or used by another person.
- Seize property and sell it at auction, using the proceeds for the debt.
nidirect says the EJO will never seize
- Clothing and bedding.
- Cookers and fridges.
- Most furniture.
- The tools of a person’s trade.
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Debts that work differently
- Tax. HMRC can use distraint in Northern Ireland. Its guidance says visits take place between sunrise and sunset, and that goods can be left with the owner under a walking possession agreement.
- Rates. Northern Ireland has domestic rates, collected by Land and Property Services, in place of council tax.
- Breathing Space. The scheme covers England and Wales only.
Advice in Northern Ireland
nidirect lists Advice NI for free, independent and confidential advice on debt, and Housing Rights for anyone facing repossession.
Common questions
Are there bailiffs in Northern Ireland?
Not in the English sense. Court judgments are enforced by the Enforcement of Judgments Office, a public body. Private enforcement agents and the taking control of goods rules belong to England and Wales.
What is a Notice of Intention to Enforce?
A notice from a creditor who holds a court judgment, saying they will ask the Enforcement of Judgments Office to enforce it. It gives 10 days to pay the creditor in full or to reach an arrangement with them.
Can the EJO take money from a bank account?
Yes. A garnishee order allows money to be taken directly from a debtor’s bank account.
How long does a judgment stay on the register in Northern Ireland?
nidirect says the Register of Judgments can be accessed by the public for up to 12 years.
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Free debt advice is available
These organisations give free, impartial debt advice and are independent of Bailiff Support Team. Nobody has to use a paid or commercial service to get help with their debts, and using one of the free services does not reduce the options available. Their advisers can also ask an enforcement firm to extend a notice period or apply for Breathing Space where it fits.
- MoneyHelperGovernment-backed. Finds a free debt adviser nearby or online.
- StepChange Debt CharityFree debt advice online and by phone.
- Citizens AdviceDetailed help with bailiffs, online and in person.
- National DebtlineFree advice and sample letters, run by the Money Advice Trust.