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NSW · Litigation

Writ of execution preparation

A writ for levy of property is the traditional enforcement mechanism against a debtor's goods and real property. This checklist walks through the steps.

In short

This is a 12-step checklist for preparing a NSW writ for the levy of property. It covers form, filing, sheriff instructions, and sale.

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12-step checklist

The checklist

1

Confirm the judgment is enforceable

Judgment must be final, entered and any stay expired.

Civil Procedure Act 2005 (NSW) ss 104-105
2

Choose the form of writ

Writ for levy of personal or real property, or both.

Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005 (NSW) Pt 39
3

Identify the debtor's property

Identify personal property (vehicles, stock) or real property for levy.

4

Search titles and PPSR

Search the title register and PPSR to identify any prior secured interests.

5

Calculate the amount outstanding

Calculate the balance including post-judgment interest and costs.

Civil Procedure Act 2005 (NSW) s 101
6

Complete the writ form

Complete the writ in UCPR form with the correct debtor details and amount.

Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 2005 (NSW) r 39.2
7

File and seal the writ

File with the court and obtain a sealed writ.

8

Lodge with the Sheriff

Lodge the sealed writ with the Sheriff's office with execution fees.

Civil Procedure Act 2005 (NSW) s 106
9

Provide Sheriff instructions

Provide the Sheriff with the debtor's address, property details and any access information.

10

Manage creditor priorities

Liaise with other creditors and any secured parties as required.

11

Track Sheriff progress

Track the Sheriff's progress — seizure, advertisement, sale.

12

Apply sale proceeds

Apply proceeds in the correct order — costs of execution, then interest, costs and principal.

When to use

When this checklist applies

Use this checklist when the debtor owns leviable assets and other enforcement tools are inadequate.

Common pitfalls

  • Levying on property subject to prior registered interests
  • Incorrect calculation of outstanding balance
  • Insufficient instructions to the Sheriff
  • Not tracking the Sheriff's progress
  • Wrong priority of sale proceeds
Use with Quillio

Run this checklist on a real matter

Quillio drafts writs, Sheriff instructions and enforcement memos in current NSW format. See /practice-areas/litigation-lawyers.

This checklist is a general guide. Adapt for Federal Court and interstate enforcement.

Use this checklist on your matter.

Quillio can run this checklist on a specific NSW conveyancing matter — confirm each item, calculate adjustments, and generate the supporting documents. The free trial requires no credit card.

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