Attachment of Earnings

Recover debts directly from a debtor’s salary

When a debtor fails to settle a County Court Judgment (CCJ), an Attachment of Earnings Order (AEO) provides a reliable way to recover the debt directly from their salary. This legal order requires the debtor's employer to deduct a portion of their wages each month until the debt is fully repaid. Our Attachment of Earnings service ensures the entire process is handled efficiently, from applying for the order to monitoring payments, giving you a consistent and effective method to recover outstanding debts.

To initiate this process, a prior monetary judgment or CCJ must be in place, and accurate employment details are crucial to avoid delays or rejection. The court calculates the debtor’s essential living expenses (protected earnings rate), and any earnings above this threshold are subject to deductions, resulting in varying monthly repayment amounts. Our team will manage all necessary documentation and work with solicitors to submit the court application. Once the order is issued, the debtor’s employer will be directed to begin the deductions, and payments will be forwarded to you.

What is the Attachment of Earnings Order service?

An Attachment of Earnings Order (AEO) is a legal method used to recover debt by deducting payments directly from the debtor's salary. It works by instructing the employer to withhold a portion of the debtor's wages, which are then paid directly to the creditor. The exact amount depends on the debtor’s earnings, typically between 12-17%. However, before this can happen, the creditor must have already secured a County Court Judgment (CCJ) against the debtor.

How the process works

• Eligibility Check: First, we review the case to ensure that a CCJ is in place and that the debtor is employed. Having accurate details about their job is essential for the AEO to work.
• Submitting the Application: Our legal experts prepare and submit the required documents to the court. This includes the debtor's employment information and the amount they owe.
• Court Review: The court contacts the debtor, giving them two choices: pay off the debt in full or fill out a statement of means, which outlines their financial situation. This helps the court decide how much should be deducted from their wages.
• Issuing the AEO: Based on the debtor’s income and essential expenses, the court will issue the AEO. The employer is then instructed to start making the deductions according to the schedule set by the court.
• Salary Deductions Begin: The employer is legally required to deduct the agreed amount from the debtor’s wages and send the money to the court. The court will then forward these payments to you, ensuring regular debt recovery.
• Non-Compliance: If the debtor fails to cooperate, for instance by not providing the required financial information, the court may escalate the matter, which could lead to further enforcement action or even a court summons.

Why use our service?

• Experienced Guidance: Our team of legal professionals ensures the entire process is managed smoothly and effectively, maximising the chances of successful recovery.
• End-to-End Service: We take care of everything from preparing the application to ensuring the payments are made, giving you peace of mind so you can focus on other matters.
• Reliable Payment Stream: Once the AEO is in place, you’ll receive regular payments directly from the debtor’s salary, without the need for further legal intervention.
• Clear and Transparent Fees: We make sure all fees are clearly communicated upfront, and we keep you informed every step of the way with regular updates.
• Proven Results: An AEO is a powerful method for recovering debts from employed individuals and is often a more effective solution when other attempts have been unsuccessful.

This service takes the stress out of debt recovery, giving you a reliable way to receive what’s owed without lengthy delays or further legal action.