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Form N446 UK: Reissue Enforcement Request Guide

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Part ofCounty Court Forms UK

Written by Brad Askew Solicitor (non-practising)
Brad is on the roll of solicitors of England & Wales but does not hold a practising certificate and does not provide legal advice.
Updated June 2026 · England & Wales
When someone owes you money under a county court judgment and enforcement action has already been attempted without success, you are not at the end of the road. Form N446 is the route back into the enforcement process, asking the court to reissue an order to obtain information from the debtor, or to reissue certain enforcement orders (other than warrants, which have their own procedure). It is a practical tool for creditors who have hit a wall, perhaps because a hearing was missed, a warrant came back unsatisfied, or the debtor slipped back into default after initial payments. This guide walks you through what the form is for, who uses it, what information you will need, and the points that most often trip people up. It is written for individuals and small businesses chasing a debt, not for lawyers.

What this document is

Form N446 is a county court form used to request that the court reissue an order to obtain information from a judgment debtor, or reissue an enforcement order, where a previous attempt has not resolved matters. An order to obtain information (sometimes still called an oral examination) compels the debtor to attend court and answer questions about their means under oath.

If the debtor failed to attend, or the earlier hearing did not deliver useful information, N446 is how you ask the court to try again. The form can also be used to reissue certain enforcement orders that have lapsed or been frustrated, so you can keep pursuing the sum owed.

It is important to note that N446 is not used to reissue a warrant of control (the bailiff-style enforcement process), which follows a separate procedure. The form records the outstanding balance, including any costs added for post-judgment steps and unsatisfied warrants, and asks the court to set a fresh hearing or reissue the relevant order so enforcement can continue.

How to use this document

  1. Confirm you have the right form for the job. N446 covers reissue of orders to obtain information and certain enforcement orders, but not warrants. If the earlier attempt involved a warrant that came back unsatisfied, check whether a different form or procedure applies before completing N446, as the wrong form will delay matters.
  2. Gather the case details you will need. Before you start filling in the form, collect the claim number, any attachment of earnings number, the original judgment details, the names and addresses of the claimant and defendant, and the dates of any previous hearings. Accurate references help the court locate the file and reissue promptly.
  3. Calculate the outstanding balance carefully. Work out the sum still owed after any payments the debtor has made, and add any legitimate costs from the previous enforcement attempt, such as the cost of issuing post-judgment process and unsatisfied warrant costs. The balance on the form must reflect what is genuinely due on the date of filing.
  4. Complete, sign and date Form N446. Fill in the form clearly, stating the type of process you are asking the court to reissue and the reason reissue is needed. Sign and date it yourself, or have your solicitor sign if you are represented. Keep a copy for your records before it leaves your hands.
  5. File the form with the court and keep communication open. Send or deliver the completed form to the appropriate county court. If the debtor pays anything after you have filed, tell the court straight away so the balance and next steps reflect reality. Turning up to any rescheduled hearing with evidence of non-payment will be essential.

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 When would I use Form N446 rather than starting enforcement from scratch?
You use N446 where enforcement has already been attempted or an information hearing has already been ordered, but the outcome did not resolve the debt. Typical triggers include the debtor failing to attend, the hearing going ahead without useful information, or an enforcement order needing to be reissued. Starting again from scratch would usually be slower and can mean repeating steps unnecessarily.
Q Can I use N446 to reissue a warrant of control?
No. Warrants of control follow a different reissue procedure and are not covered by this form. If a warrant came back unsatisfied, check the current guidance on gov.uk or ask the court office which form applies in your circumstances. Using the wrong form tends to delay enforcement and may mean paying a fee for a filing that has to be redone.
Q What costs can I add to the outstanding balance?
You can generally include costs that the court has already allowed in connection with post-judgment process and unsatisfied warrant costs, in addition to the principal judgment sum and any interest that applies. You should not add costs you are simply hoping to recover. If you are unsure whether a particular cost can be included, the court office or an experienced legal adviser can help you think it through.
Q Is there a court fee for filing N446?
A fee typically applies for requesting reissue, and fees change from time to time. Rather than relying on a figure that may be out of date, check the current civil court fees on gov.uk before you file. Fee remissions may be available to those on a low income or receiving certain benefits, so it is worth checking eligibility before paying.
Q What happens at the reissued hearing?
If you are reissuing an order to obtain information, the debtor will be required to attend court and answer questions about their income, assets and outgoings under oath. You should be prepared to show that the judgment sum, or instalments under it, remain unpaid. The information gathered can then be used to choose the most appropriate next enforcement step, such as a charging order or third party debt order.
Q What if the debtor pays part of the debt after I file the form?
You must tell the court as soon as possible. The balance recorded on the form will no longer be accurate, and the court needs up-to-date figures to deal with the matter fairly. Keeping the court informed also protects you from any suggestion that you are pursuing more than is actually owed, which could undermine the hearing.
Q Do I need a solicitor to complete Form N446?
No, many creditors complete N446 themselves, particularly individuals and small businesses handling straightforward judgment debts. That said, enforcement can become technical where the debtor disputes figures, has moved, or has multiple creditors. A short conversation with an experienced legal adviser can help you work out whether this is a form you can handle alone or one where professional input would save time.
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.

Brad Askew, Solicitor (non-practising)

Written & reviewed by

Brad Askew Solicitor (non-practising)

Brad is on the roll of solicitors of England & Wales but does not hold a practising certificate and does not provide legal advice. LegalDocuments.co.uk is not a law firm and does not provide regulated legal advice.

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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.