Oral Examination

A court hearing at which a judgement debtor is required to attend and answer questions on oath about their means and assets. It provides the creditor with information to decide which enforcement method is most appropriate. Formerly known as an examination of judgement debtor.

In practice

The creditor applies to the court, and the debtor is ordered to attend and produce documents such as bank statements and wage slips. If the debtor fails to attend, the court can issue a committal order. The information obtained helps the creditor choose between enforcement methods: for example, identifying an employer for attachment of earnings or a bank account for a third party debt order.