Freezing Order

An injunction restraining a party from dealing with, removing, or dissipating their assets. Formerly known as a Mareva injunction, it is typically sought where there is a real risk that the debtor will move or hide assets to frustrate enforcement of a judgement.

In practice

Freezing orders are usually obtained without notice from the High Court. The applicant must demonstrate a good arguable case on the merits, a real risk of asset dissipation, and give a cross-undertaking in damages. The order can cover assets worldwide and is served on banks and other third parties who must then freeze the relevant accounts.