Form PF86A UK: Request a High Court Writ (2026)
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If you've won a High Court judgment and the other side still isn't paying up, handing over goods, or giving back possession of property, Form PF86A is the route to getting an enforcement officer involved. It's a combined request that covers three different types of writ in a single document, which saves you filling in multiple forms when your judgment needs more than one kind of enforcement action.
The form is issued by the court once sealed, and the sealed writ is what authorises a High Court Enforcement Officer to act on your behalf. On this page I'll walk you through what the form is for, when you'd use each type of writ it covers, how the request fits into the wider enforcement process, and the practical points to think about before you send it off. Brad Askew, Legal Tech Founder
What this document is
Form PF86A is the combined request form used in the High Court to ask the court to seal a writ of control, a writ of possession, a writ of delivery, or any combination of these. Each writ does a different job.
A writ of control authorises an enforcement officer to take control of the judgment debtor's goods to recover a money judgment. A writ of possession is used to recover possession of land or property. A writ of delivery covers the return of specific goods, or their assessed value.
The form is used after you already have a judgment or order from the High Court (or a County Court judgment that has been transferred up to the High Court for enforcement). It is not itself a judgment or a claim, it is the procedural trigger for enforcement.
Once the form is lodged with the appropriate fee and the supporting documents, the court seals the writ and returns it, which then gets passed to a High Court Enforcement Officer who carries out the enforcement action on the ground.
How to use this document
- Confirm you have an enforceable judgment or order. Before you can use Form PF86A, you need a High Court judgment or order that is capable of enforcement. If your judgment is in the County Court and exceeds the threshold for High Court enforcement, you may need to apply for a transfer up first, which is a separate procedural step that must be completed before the writ can be sealed. 2. Decide which writ or writs you are requesting. Work out whether you need a writ of control (for money), a writ of possession (for land or property), a writ of delivery (for specific goods), or a combination. The form lets you tick the relevant boxes, so you only complete the sections that match what you are actually enforcing, and you do not need to file separate requests for each type. 3. Fill in the party details and the schedule accurately. Enter the claimant's name and address, the defendant's name and address, your reference, and a daytime telephone number. The schedule section is important: it must set out the sums due, including the judgment debt, interest, and any costs, or describe the goods or property with enough detail that the enforcement officer knows exactly what is being recovered. 4. Answer the registration question and sign the form. The form asks whether the judgment has been registered in the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines. Answer honestly based on what you know. Then sign and date the form. The signature is your confirmation that the information you have given is accurate, so double-check the figures and party details before signing. 5. Lodge the form with the court with the fee and supporting papers. Send or take the completed form to the court that dealt with the case, along with the court fee (check gov.uk for the current amount) and a sealed copy of the judgment or order you are enforcing. The court checks the paperwork and, if everything is in order, seals the writ and returns it so it can be passed to a High Court Enforcement Officer.
Common questions
Q What is the difference between a writ of control and a warrant of control?
A writ of control is a High Court instrument, enforced by a High Court Enforcement Officer, and generally used for larger judgment debts or where the creditor has chosen the High Court route. A warrant of control is the County Court equivalent, enforced by County Court bailiffs. The powers and procedures differ, and the fees and recovery costs are not the same, so it is worth thinking carefully about which route suits your situation.
Q Do I need a solicitor to complete Form PF86A?
No, there is no legal requirement to instruct a solicitor. Judgment creditors can complete and lodge the form themselves. That said, enforcement can get technical quickly, particularly where there are disputes, third parties, or the debtor challenges the writ. If you are unsure, it can help to speak to someone experienced before you lodge it, so you don't run into procedural problems that delay recovery.
Q Can I request more than one type of writ on the same form?
Yes, that is the whole point of PF86A being a combined request. If your judgment requires, for example, both the recovery of money and the delivery of specific goods, you can request both writs on the one form rather than filing separate applications. Complete the sections that apply to each writ you are requesting and leave the others blank.
Q How long does a writ last once it has been sealed?
A sealed writ generally remains valid for a limited period, after which it may need to be renewed if enforcement has not been completed. Time limits and renewal procedures are set out in the Civil Procedure Rules. If the writ has been with an enforcement officer for some time without full recovery, check the position on its validity before assuming enforcement can simply continue.
Q What happens after the writ is sealed?
Once sealed by the court, the writ is passed to a High Court Enforcement Officer. They will typically send a notice of enforcement to the debtor giving them a short period to pay or comply, and after that period the officer can attend the property to take control of goods, recover possession, or collect the items specified, depending on the type of writ.
Q Can the debtor challenge the writ after it has been issued?
Yes, in certain circumstances. A debtor may apply to the court to set aside or stay the writ, for example if they say the underlying judgment should be varied or set aside, or if there is a dispute about the sums claimed on the writ. If that happens, enforcement is usually paused pending the court's decision, which can delay recovery.
Q Is there a court fee for lodging Form PF86A?
Yes, a fee is payable to the court when you lodge the request, and the amount depends on what you are requesting. Fee remission may be available for those on low incomes or certain benefits. Check gov.uk for the current fee and any remission criteria before you submit the form, so you include the right payment or evidence of remission entitlement.
Sources
This guide is based on primary UK law and official guidance.
- Guidance · UK GovForm PF86A on gov.ukgov.uk
- Guidance · HMCTSCivil Procedure Rules Part 83 (Writs and Warrants)justice.gov.uk
- Guidance · UK GovMake a court claim for money – gov.ukgov.uk
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.