Skip to the guide
England & WalesEnforcement-law guidancePrimary law and procedure cited
Vehicles & GoodsIndividual guidance pageBrowse this section

My son has the same name as me, can bailiffs enforce my son's debt against me?


No

The enforcement power is made against the debtor, and you are a separate legal entity from your son.[1]

If bailiffs take your goods to recover your son's debt or take a money transfer from you under the pain of taking your goods, then you can make a third-party claim,[2] together with a claim for your loss[3] and costs.[4]

If the bailiff has not yet taken any goods or money, then the non-debtor can make a statutory declaration.

Need case-specific help?Open the case-review form