Court Enforcement Direct

Received a letter or visit from Court Enforcement Direct? This guide explains who they are, what powers they have, your legal rights, and how to respond.

Who Are Court Enforcement Direct?

Court Enforcement Direct (CED) is a High Court Enforcement company that specialises in enforcing court judgments throughout England and Wales. They are certificated High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs) with significant legal powers.

Company Details:

• Company Number: SC627723
• Registered Address: 2nd Floor, 9-10 St Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 2AF
• Status: Authorised High Court Enforcement Officers

They may be visiting because:

• A High Court Writ has been issued against you
• A County Court Judgment (CCJ) has been transferred to the High Court
• Commercial rent arrears are being enforced
• Business debts or contracts are being collected
• Eviction orders are being executed

Contact Details

Court Enforcement Direct Ltd

2nd Floor 9-10 St Andrew Square Edinburgh EH2 2AF

Company Number: SC627723

What Powers Do Court Enforcement Direct Have?

As High Court Enforcement Officers, CED have significant legal powers:

They CAN:

• Enter business premises through any unlocked door
• Enter residential property peacefully through unlocked doors
• Take control of goods worth significantly more than the debt
• Charge substantial fees (High Court fees are higher than county court)
• Seize vehicles without warning on the public highway
• Return for enforcement if the first visit is unsuccessful
• Force entry to business premises in some circumstances

They CANNOT:

• Force entry to residential property on the first visit (most writs)
• Take essential items (basic furniture, clothing, bedding)
• Take items on HP or rental agreements
• Enter between 9pm and 6am without permission
• Take items clearly belonging to others
• Use violence or threats

Your Legal Rights

Notice Requirements

For most High Court writs:

• No notice required - HCEOs can attend without warning
• This is different from county court bailiffs who must give 7 days’ notice

However, if they enter and list goods, they must give notice before returning to remove them.

During a Visit

You have the right to:

• Request identification - they must show their HCEO certificate
• See the writ of control authorising their visit
• Not let them in to residential property (keep doors locked)
• Request time to seek legal advice
• Record the visit for your own records

High Court Fee Structure

High Court fees are significant:

• Compliance fee: £75
• Enforcement stage 1: £190 (+ 7.5% of debt over £1,000)
• Enforcement stage 2: £495
• Sale stage: £525 (+ 7.5% of debt over £1,000)

These fees can add thousands to the original debt.

How to Respond to Court Enforcement Direct

Step 1: Understand the Urgency

A High Court Writ is serious. Unlike debt collectors, HCEOs have immediate enforcement powers. You need to act quickly.

Step 2: Check the Writ Details

• Verify the judgment is yours - check names, addresses, dates
• Check if it was properly served - did you receive court papers?
• Consider if you have a defence - was there a valid dispute?

Step 3: Know Your Options

If you can pay:

• Pay immediately to stop enforcement and minimise fees
• Negotiate a payment plan (but they can refuse)

If you can’t pay:

• Don’t let them into residential property - keep all doors locked
• Seek urgent legal advice - you may have grounds to challenge
• Consider formal insolvency - IVAs and bankruptcy stop all enforcement
• Apply to set aside the judgment - if you weren’t properly notified

Step 4: Act Immediately

High Court enforcement moves fast. Every day you delay adds fees and risk.

Can Court Enforcement Direct Force Entry?

Residential Property:

• First visit: NO - they cannot break in
• After controlled goods agreement: They can force entry to remove listed goods
• For certain writs: Eviction warrants and some criminal matters allow forced entry

Business Premises:

• More powers apply - they can sometimes force entry to business premises
• Depends on the type of writ and circumstances

Key Point: For residential property, keep your doors locked. They cannot break in on the first visit for most debts.

What Items Can They Take?

Protected Items (CANNOT be taken):

• Basic domestic furniture (beds, chairs, tables)
• Clothing and bedding for you and family
• Essential appliances (cooker, fridge, washing machine)
• Medical equipment
• Tools of trade (up to £1,350)
• Items on hire purchase or credit
• Items belonging to others (children, partners, housemates)

Items They CAN Take:

• Vehicles (if owned outright)
• Electronics (TVs, games consoles, computers)
• Jewellery and watches
• Non-essential furniture
• Business equipment and stock
• Any goods of value beyond essentials

Challenging High Court Enforcement

You may be able to challenge if:

The Judgment Was Wrong

• You weren’t properly served with court papers
• You have a valid defence that wasn’t heard
• The judgment was obtained by fraud

The Enforcement Is Wrong

• The writ has errors (wrong name, wrong address)
• They’re trying to take protected items
• They’ve charged incorrect fees

How to Challenge

• Apply to the High Court to set aside the judgment
• Apply to stay enforcement while you appeal
• Complain to the High Court Enforcement Officers Association

Get legal advice urgently - time limits apply.

Making a Complaint

If Court Enforcement Direct have acted improperly:

Step 1: Complain to the Company

Write to their registered address with full details.

Step 2: Escalate to Professional Bodies

• High Court Enforcement Officers Association (HCEOA)
• Ministry of Justice - oversees HCEO certification
• A solicitor - for serious breaches of your rights

Step 3: Court Application

For serious issues, apply to the High Court for relief against the enforcement.

Struggling With Debt?

High Court enforcement means your debt has escalated significantly. These formal solutions can stop all enforcement:

Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) - A legally binding option that may stop creditor or enforcement action and may write off qualifying debt if creditors approve it and the IVA completes. Check if you qualify.

Bankruptcy - Stops all enforcement immediately, though has serious consequences.

Debt Relief Order - A formal option for England and Wales where qualifying debts may be written off after the DRO period if you meet the criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is a High Court writ more serious than a CCJ?

High Court Enforcement Officers can act without giving you 7 days’ notice and can seize vehicles without warning. Fees are also much higher.

Can they take my car from the street?

Yes. HCEOs can clamp or tow vehicles from public roads without warning if they’re owned outright and the owner is the debtor.

What if I wasn’t aware of the original court case?

You may be able to apply to “set aside” the judgment if you weren’t properly served. Seek legal advice urgently.

Can I still negotiate after they’ve visited?

Yes, but fees will have increased. Payment in full or a formal debt solution are usually the only ways to stop enforcement at this stage.

Will they keep coming back?

Yes. They will continue visiting and adding fees until either the debt is paid, goods are seized, or you enter a formal insolvency arrangement.

High Court enforcement is serious. Check your debt relief options and get protected today.

Sources checked

• GOV.UK bailiff powers for entry, visit and complaint rules.
• Citizens Advice bailiff guidance for practical doorstep rights.
• Companies House for company identity checks.
• MoneyHelper debt guidance for free debt advice signposting.
• GOV.UK options for dealing with your debts for debt solution context.