Download Custody Warrant Fact Sheet - Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals

THE ENFORCEMENT OF JUDGMENTS OFFICE
Laganside House, 23-27 Oxford Street, Belfast
BT1 3LA
Custody Warrant: Fact Sheet
Explanation / Effect of the Warrant
The enclosed document explains that all goods owned by you, either wholly or partially are deemed to be under
the control of the Enforcement of Judgements Office (EJO) and should not be disposed of. It is an offence to
do so and may be punishable by either a fine or imprisonment.

What does this mean?
The creditor has obtained a court order for monies owed and has applied to recover these monies through the
EJO. Your details are now recorded on the Public Register of Debtors, and may be viewed by any person who
pays the relevant search fee. Your debt record will appear on the Register for 12 years from the date of entry,
and therefore this may also affect your credit rating.

What Next?
The office is required to conduct an examination of your circumstances. The office will issue a
summons ordering your appearance at either at the offices or at one of our other court offices.
Some Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to pay this debt?
After the examination to establish your financial position, the EJO may make a ‘payment order’ stating the
repayment terms. However, should you be in a position to do so, the, Office will accept payment in full at any
stage. Any offer of payment made by you during the course of the interview will be reviewed and may be
increased at a later stage depending on your circumstances.

How do I make a payment prior to the interview?
You can pay by
o cash, cheque, bankers draft postal order, debit/credit card (in person at this office),
o cash, cheque, bankers draft postal order, (by post),
o debit or credit card (over the telephone) by calling 0300 200 7812
Cheque, Bankers Draft or Postal orders should be made payable to the ‘Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals
Service’ or ‘NICTS’. The EJO does not supply payments books, but will issue a receipt for every payment made.
We recommend that cash is not sent through the post.

Who are the Department of Finance and Personnel, or the Land & Property Services?
They are the department responsible for the collection of domestic and commercial rates in Northern Ireland.
They will have asked the EJO to recover the amount of rates as a result of non-payment.

Will someone remove furniture/goods from my property?
This office does have the power to seize certain types of goods; this will not happen provided you pay the
amount recorded on the custody warrant, or continue to make payments are the rate set by the EJO until the
debt is cleared.
Version 6
7 January 2015
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