Form EX140 UK: Debtor Evidence Record Explained
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If you owe money under a county court judgment, or you are a creditor trying to recover what is owed, Form EX140 is likely to appear at some point in the process. It is the court's structured way of capturing a detailed picture of an individual debtor's finances, covering everything from take-home pay through to household outgoings and any assets held.
The purpose is practical: the court needs reliable information before it can decide on a realistic way for the debt to be repaid. On this page I walk through what the form covers, why it matters, and what debtors and creditors should keep in mind when dealing with it.
If you want to talk any of it through, you can book a call with an experienced legal adviser at the bottom of the page.
What this document is
Form EX140 is a court questionnaire used to record evidence about an individual debtor's financial position and personal circumstances. It is typically completed when the court is considering how a judgment debt should be paid, for example when setting instalments or considering enforcement options.
The form captures a fairly wide snapshot: who the debtor is, where they live, how they earn a living, what they own, what they owe elsewhere, and what they spend each month on essentials. Think of it as the court's information-gathering exercise before any sensible payment order can be made.
The idea is that a decision about repayment should reflect what a debtor can genuinely afford, not a guess. For creditors, the information on an EX140 can also reveal whether enforcement against earnings, bank accounts or assets is realistic. Because the form is treated as evidence, answers are expected to be accurate and complete. Providing misleading information to the court carries serious consequences.
How to use this document
- Check why the form is being used. Before filling anything in, make sure you understand the context. EX140 is usually part of enforcement or repayment proceedings connected to a judgment debt. Knowing whether you are responding to a creditor's application, an oral examination, or a court direction will shape how you approach the questions.
- Gather your paperwork. You will need payslips, bank statements, benefit award letters, mortgage or tenancy details, loan and credit agreements, and information about any other court orders. Pulling these together first makes the form much quicker to complete and reduces the risk of inconsistent figures that could cause problems later.
- Complete the personal and household sections. Work through the questions about your identity, address, dependants and living arrangements. Be straightforward about who lives with you and any shared responsibilities, because this context affects how the court views your outgoings and available income.
- Set out income, assets and debts honestly. Record employment details, net pay, benefits, self-employed earnings, savings, vehicles, property and any other assets. Then list your existing debts and any active court orders. If a figure fluctuates, say so and give a realistic average rather than a best-case or worst-case number.
- Sign, submit and keep copies. Check every section before signing the statement of truth. Send the form to the court or to the party who requested it within the deadline given, and keep a full copy along with the supporting documents you relied on. You may need to refer back to them if the court asks follow-up questions.
Common questions
If you're dealing with this kind of situation, speak to an experienced legal adviser who can walk you through it — from £89.
Common questions
Q Who has to complete Form EX140?
The form is aimed at individual debtors, typically after a county court judgment has been made against them. It may be requested where the court, or a creditor pursuing enforcement, needs a clear picture of the debtor's finances before deciding how the debt should be repaid. It is not used for company debtors, which have separate procedures.
Q What happens if I leave sections blank?
Missing information can delay the court's decision and may lead to further questioning, a hearing, or enforcement action continuing on less favourable assumptions. If a question genuinely does not apply, it is usually better to write 'not applicable' and briefly explain why, rather than leaving a blank that the court has to interpret.
Q Do I have to disclose all my assets?
Yes. The form is treated as evidence given to the court, and you sign a statement of truth confirming the information is accurate. Deliberately omitting assets, hiding income or understating what you own can amount to contempt of court and may result in serious penalties, including a fine or imprisonment in the worst cases.
Q Can the court force me to pay more than I can afford?
The whole point of gathering this information is to set a repayment that reflects what you can reasonably afford after essential living costs. If you set out your income and outgoings clearly, the court can tailor an instalment order to your circumstances. If your situation changes later, you can apply to vary the order.
Q How does a creditor use the information on EX140?
Creditors use the disclosed information to decide whether enforcement steps are worthwhile. For example, a stable employer may point to an attachment of earnings, a healthy bank balance may support a third party debt order, and owned assets may influence whether other methods are pursued. Accurate disclosure often results in a more proportionate approach.
Q Is there a fee for filing EX140?
Fees for court processes can change, and whether a fee applies often depends on what the form is being used alongside, such as an application for enforcement. Check the current fees on gov.uk before sending anything in, and ask about help with fees if paying would cause you financial hardship.
Q Can I get help before I send the form back?
Yes. Free services such as Citizens Advice and StepChange can help debtors work through their finances, and regulated solicitors can advise on complex situations. You can also book a call through this page to talk through what the form is asking for and how to approach your answers based on what you describe.
If you're dealing with this kind of situation, speak to an experienced legal adviser who can walk you through it — from £89.
Sources
This guide is based on primary UK law and official guidance.
- Guidance · HMCTSHM Courts and Tribunals Service court formsgov.uk
- Guidance · UK GovMake someone pay a county court judgmentgov.uk
- Guidance · UK GovGet help with court feesgov.uk
Legal helpline
Unsure how to fill in your EX140?
The questions on EX140 look simple, but the answers shape what the court decides about repayment and enforcement. An experienced legal adviser can help you think through the form and what it means for you, based on what you describe on the call.
- Plain-English answers to your specific questions about EX140
- A clearer sense of how the form fits into your case
- What to watch out for when setting out income and assets
- Practical perspective on your next steps based on what you describe
Legal disclaimer
This article is for general information only. It is a tool to help you find your way — not legal advice, and not a substitute for speaking to a qualified adviser about your situation.