Bankruptcy

Walking Possession Order

County Court bailiffs appointed to collect debts outstanding from a County Court Judgement issue a warning notice allowing you 7 days to pay. Private bailiffs appointed following an application in the Magistrates Courts to collect council tax arrears or fines must give you 15 days notice of a proposed visit by the bailiff.

The bailiff can gain access to your home through an open or un-locked door or through an open window. Once in the house, he can seize goods. This does not mean that he will necessarily remove goods but rather he will list them on a Walking Possession Order which you will be asked to sign to confirm the list is accurate. You should only sign this if the bailiff has gained entry to your house peaceably.

The bailiff cannot seize fixtures and fittings or items for your basic living; clothes, bedding, fridge etc. Nor may his list items that you are renting or subject to hire-purchase. But remember he may seize goods that are jointly owned, even if that other person does not owe anything.

To prevent the bailiff removing the listed goods you will be obliged to sign a Walking Possession order Agreement which states that you will pay the debts by certain date(s). Failure to pay by these dates will result in the goods being removed and sold.