When a debt repayment resolution cannot be reached, a debtor’s goods may be seized by bailiffs acting on behalf of the creditor.
Bailiffs are only entitled to seize goods that are owned by the debtor; however, there are exceptions to this. Jointly owned goods are not exempt from seizure, whether or not the other joint owner is in debt to the creditor.
If you are at risk of goods seizure, or would like to find out what goods you are entitled to protect, there is further information available from Legal Advice Helpline online.
Seizing goods – what you need to know
There are certain items that bailiffs cannot seize when collecting a debt. Bailiffs collecting debt on behalf of certain official bodies, such as County Court Judgements (CCJ), cannot seize goods that relate to the debtor’s employment and those that are necessary to meet the domestic requirements of his or her family.
What happens to goods seized?
Any goods seized are sold at auction, with funds made from the sale of seized goods going towards repaying the debt.
If you would like to find out more information about what happens to your goods once they have been seized, visit the Citizens Advice Bureau website.