Enforcing a financial order when your ex will not pay

The enforcement options available when a sealed order is ignored, from attachment of earnings to charging orders.

Updated 19 August 2026·6 min read
Written by CalmSplit Editorial TeamReviewed by Ramani GillLast reviewed 19 August 2026England & Wales

A sealed order is enforceable. If it is being ignored, the court has a range of tools and you can ask it to choose the most appropriate.

Options

  • Attachment of earnings, deducting directly from wages.
  • A third party debt order against a bank account.
  • A charging order over property, and eventually an order for sale.
  • Taking control of goods by enforcement agents.
  • A judgment summons in serious cases of wilful refusal.

This article is general information about the law of England and Wales, not legal advice. For advice on your situation, speak to a solicitor.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a time limit? ▼

Arrears older than twelve months usually need the court's permission to enforce.

What if they genuinely cannot pay? ▼

They can apply to vary the order. Ignoring it is always worse than applying.

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