- Enforcement orders replaced the old writs in April 2022.
- One application can ask for several orders at once.
- Money in the debtor's bank account can be attached and paid to you.
- An examination in court can find out what assets the debtor has.
Enforcement orders
Since the Rules of Court 2021 took effect, the person enforcing a judgment is called the enforcement applicant and the debtor the enforcement respondent. Instead of separate writs, you apply to court for enforcement orders. The main ones are:
- seizure and sale of the debtor's property, carried out by the court's Sheriff
- attachment of a debt: money owed to the debtor by someone else, such as their bank, is paid to you instead, up to the amount of the judgment
- possession or delivery of property
A single application can ask for several orders at once, which can save time and cost.
Finding the debtor's assets
If you don't know what the debtor owns, you can apply for an examination of the enforcement respondent (previously called examination of judgment debtor). The debtor must attend and answer questions about their income and assets, which helps decide which enforcement order is worth pursuing.
Time limit
A judgment can be enforced for up to 12 years. In practice, the sooner you act, the more likely there are assets to recover.
This article is general information on Singapore law and is not legal advice. Rules and agency policies change, and every situation is different. For advice on your own circumstances, speak with one of our lawyers.
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