After a hearing: orders, payment, enforcement and appeals

Read and keep the order

Check the written decision or order, what each person must do and by when. Keep a copy with the case reference and any reasons given. If the document does not appear to match what happened, ask the court about the appropriate administrative or legal route; do not assume that an informal query changes the order.

Paying or responding to a judgment

Check who is to be paid, the amount and the payment terms. Keep proof of payment and correspondence. If you cannot comply, seek advice about the options relevant to the order and your circumstances. An application to vary payment or suspend enforcement has a specific procedure and is not automatically granted.

• N245: variation or suspension application →

Enforcing a money judgment

A judgment does not always produce payment without further action. Available enforcement methods, restrictions, costs and the debtor’s circumstances matter. Read the official options and take advice before choosing a method. Keep track of payments already received and additional fees; avoid duplicate recovery.

• Official enforcement guide EX321 →
• N323 warrant of control form →

Reasons, transcripts and appeals

A transcript request and an appeal are separate steps. Check whether a transcript exists, whether permission is needed, the cost and the correct request route. Appeals have their own grounds, permission rules, destinations and deadlines. Seeking a transcript does not by itself protect an appeal deadline.

• EX107 transcript request →
• N161 appeal form →

Complaints are a different process

A complaint about court administration or a legal adviser is generally not a substitute for challenging a judicial decision. Identify what you want changed and the body with power to do it. Get prompt advice if you may need to appeal, enforce or apply to change an order.