Key points
- Both follow an unpaid County Court Judgment
- An attachment of earnings takes money directly from your wages
- A charging order secures the debt against your home
- You can respond and ask for affordable terms
- Get advice as soon as you receive court papers
This guide covers England and Wales.
Attachment of earnings order
The court can order your employer to take regular payments from your wages and send them to the creditor. The court sets a protected earnings rate, which is the amount you must be left with for essential living costs.
Charging order
A charging order secures the debt against property you own. It doesn't mean your home will be sold straight away, but the debt must usually be paid when the property is sold. In some cases a creditor can apply for an order for sale.
What you can do
- Respond to every court form by the deadline.
- Fill in your income and expenses accurately.
- Ask the court to vary payments if your circumstances change.
- Look at debt solutions that deal with all your debts together.
Frequently asked questions
Can a creditor take money from my wages?
Yes, if the court grants an attachment of earnings order after an unpaid CCJ.
Can a charging order force me to sell my home?
A creditor can apply for an order for sale, but courts consider this carefully, especially for smaller debts.
How do I stop an attachment of earnings?
Pay the CCJ in full, or ask the court to suspend or vary the order. Get advice first.
Free debt advice is available
You can get free, impartial debt advice from not-for-profit organisations through MoneyHelper's debt advice locator.
Sources and further reading
This guide is general information, not advice, and was correct when last updated. Rules and limits can change. Speak to a regulated adviser about your own situation.