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When you secure a judgment abroad, it’s only half the battle, and getting it enforced in the UK can be complex.
The enforcement of foreign judgment solicitors at TV Edwards simplify the process for you, making sure the judgment is registered and enforced efficiently. This way, you get the outcome you deserve.
What is Enforcement of Foreign Judgments?
The enforcement of foreign judgments is the process of registering and executing a judgment, which has been obtained in another jurisdiction, within England and Wales. If it’s not properly registered, it lacks legal force in the UK.
TV Edwards’ dispute resolution solicitors help businesses, individuals, and legal professionals as they navigate this process, keeping them compliant with UK requirements.
To start the process, the judgment (or a certified copy), an English translation (if needed), and affidavit with the court must all be filed. Enforcement regimes vary by jurisdiction: UK (Scotland/Northern Ireland), European (EU/EFTA), Statutory (Commonwealth), or Common Law (other countries).
If a judgment is incorrectly obtained in the originating jurisdiction, it might block registration, so it’s essential to verify compliance where possible. With a wealth of experience in the field, our team excels at overcoming these challenges and related ones.
We handle contract disputes, fraud recoveries, and everything in between, making sure your judgment can be enforced through methods like charging orders or third-party debt orders, often guided by treaties like the Hague Convention.
Why Foreign Judgments Face Enforcement Challenges?
Different jurisdictions have different legal systems, which are a common source of challenges when it comes to getting foreign judgments enforced. Judgments from a non-Commonwealth country, for example, may face scrutiny under Common Law rules. Similarly, procedural errors and debtor objections can be problematic.
These issues can cause enforcement delays and add onto pre-existing costs. Furthermore, if there were missteps in the original jurisdiction, or translation issues, these can further complicate matters, which underscores the need for expert guidance, such as our alternative dispute resolution strategies to preempt conflicts.
When to Consult a Lawyer?
If you have a foreign judgment and are wanting to have it enforced in the UK, consult a solicitor immediately. If you obtain advice early, you’ll be able to comply with registration rules and prevent any debtor defences.
The enforcement of foreign judgments solicitors at TV Edwards provide consultations where we can assess your judgment and guide you toward enforcement, drawing on our expertise in injunctions and other aspects of law. With fast action, you can maximise your chance of success.
Contact us to start the process.
How We Enforce Foreign Judgments
Precision is needed when enforcing a foreign judgment, as this allows us to navigate the complex regimes and debtor challenges that might come up in a case. Our solicitors, led by Adam Haffenden, deliver tailored solutions that get your judgment registered and enforced effectively.
Our process includes:
- Judgment Review: We check that the judgment is valid, which involves verifying its compliance within the originating jurisdiction.
- Registration Filing: We prepare and file documents (judgment, translation, affidavit) to keep everything compliant with UK court requirements.
- Regime Analysis: We identify the applicable regime (UK, European, Statutory, or Common Laws) and address any jurisdictional nuances.
- Enforcement Action: After registration, we pursue enforcement, which can be done with warrants, charging orders, or third-party debt orders, tailored to debtor assets.
- Debtor Challenges: If there are any defences, such as improper judgment or jurisdiction disputes, we counter them, advocating in court if needed.
- Clear Communication: Throughout the process, we’ll keep you regularly updated and be completely transparent about costs.
See more of what we do in our case studies.
Our Collaborative Approach
TV Edwards’ enforcement of foreign judgment solicitors collaborate with you and specialists, such as international law experts or translators, to cover every facet of the case. This integrated approach allows us to develop a holistic, comprehensive strategy that’s suited to our clients’ needs.
Why Choose TV Edwards?
Dispute resolution involves resolving conflicts between individuals, businesses, or other parties. This could involve litigation (going to court), or alternative dispute resolution such as negotiation, mediation, or arbitration.
Our dispute resolution solicitors can help you avoid high costs, by resolving things before they get out of hand.
However, if informal agreements or ADR don’t work, we can robustly represent you in court. We have a strong track record for commercial, civil and property litigation related cases, including high-value and complex litigation.
Our Accreditations
Recognised in The Times Best Law Firms 2025, with Lexcel and Cyber Essentials accreditations, we uphold the highest standards of professionalisms. These distinctions are a reflection of our commitment to quality and client trust. Our adherence to rigorous industry benchmarks ensures your foreign judgment enforcement is handled with expertise and integrity.
Client Testimonials
Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Frequently Asked Questions
What is enforcement of foreign judgments?
In short, making a judgment from another country legally binding in the UK through registration.
The process involves registering a foreign judgment to pursue assets in England and Wales, which might include debts or damages. TV Edwards’ enforcement of foreign judgments solicitors stay on top of filings, translations, and enforcement actions, complying with UK rules and achieving swift, satisfactory outcomes across regimes.
What is the best way to enforce a foreign judgment?
The most effective ways are registering under the correct regime and using targeted enforcement methods.
By registering under regimes like European or Common Law, you can enable enforcement via charging orders, third-party orders, or writs of control. Our enforcement of foreign judgments solicitors look at your judgment’s jurisdiction, using that information to choose the fastest, most cost-effective method. This ensures maximum recovery with minimal delays.
How can I succeed in enforcing a foreign judgment?
It’s essential to prove the judgment’s validity and compliance with the rules of the originating jurisdiction.
To be successful, you need a valid, final judgment and proper registration, which will counter defences like fraud or jurisdiction disputes. Our solicitors compile certified, binding documents and legal arguments that will strengthen your case. We’ll pursue remedies like asset seizures that ensure optimal recovery in UK courts.
What is the limitation period for enforcing a foreign judgment?
It typically lasts six years from the judgment date under UK law.
The limitation period, usually six years, starts when the judgment becomes enforceable in its originating jurisdiction. Delays risk the judgment being unenforceable. Our solicitors assess the timeline of your judgment and expedite registration, allowing us to secure enforcement within the legal deadlines, thus avoiding any procedural setbacks.
Does a foreign judgment require a specific sum to be enforceable?
Yes, judgments must specify a definite monetary amount for enforcement.
For enforceable judgments, a UK court will require a clear sum, such as damages or debts. Our enforcement of foreign judgments solicitors verify your judgment’s eligibility and pursue enforcement strategies that recover the specified amount.
To see how this might affect your case, contact our team and we’ll talk you through it.
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