If you’ve received a County Court Judgment (CCJ) or think you might be at risk of one, you’re not alone. Thousands of people across the UK deal with CCJs every year, often as a result of financial difficulty or missed payments.
In this guide, we explain exactly what a CCJ is, how it affects your credit score, and how long it lasts. You’ll also find practical tips on how to check if you’ve got a CCJ, whether you can get one removed, and what you can do next to manage your debt.
What is a CCJ?
A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a court order made in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. It tells you to pay back money you owe. This can happen if you don’t pay a debt and ignore letters asking you to pay. Essentially, it’s an official legal document that confirms that the person must repay the debt.
Before a CCJ is issued, the creditor (the person or company you owe money to) must try to get the money back. This usually involves sending letters or default notices. If these are ignored or no agreement is made, the creditor can ask the court to issue a CCJ.
You’ll receive a letter from the court, giving you a chance to respond. If you don’t reply or take action, the court can decide the case without you. This is called a “judgment by default.”
A CCJ will set out:
- How much you owe
- Who you need to pay
- How and when the money should be repaid.
If you pay the full amount within 30 days of the judgment, the CCJ will not go on your credit record.
How long does a CCJ stay on your credit file?
A CCJ stays on your credit file for six years from the date it is issued. This is the case even if you pay it off during that time.
Having a CCJ on your credit file can make it harder to:
- Take out a loan or mortgage
- Open a new credit card
- Rent a property
- Get certain jobs, especially in finance or law.
Lenders and other companies check your credit file to decide whether to offer you credit or services. A CCJ can make you appear high risk.
After six years, the CCJ is automatically removed from your file. You do not need to do anything to make this happen.
Can you get CCJ removed?
Yes, in some situations you can get a CCJ removed from your file. This can make a big difference to your financial future, especially if you’re trying to get approved for credit, a mortgage or even a rental agreement.
Here are the main ways to remove or reduce the impact of a CCJ:
1. Pay it within 30 days
If you pay the full amount within 30 days of the judgment, the CCJ will not appear on your credit file at all. This is the best-case scenario if you’re able to pay quickly.
To make sure the record is removed, you’ll need to apply to the court for a certificate of cancellation, which confirms the debt has been settled in time. There is a small fee for this, and you may be asked to show proof of payment.
2. Ask the court to set it aside
You can apply to the court to “set aside” the CCJ if you had a good reason for not responding to the original claim. This is more likely to be successful if:
- The court papers were sent to the wrong address
- You never received the paperwork
- You had already paid the debt before the CCJ was issued
- You believe the debt is not yours or is incorrect.
To apply, you’ll need to fill out a form called N244 and pay a court fee. You might also be asked to attend a hearing. If the court agrees to set aside the CCJ, it will be removed from your credit file completely.
However, this can be a complicated process. If you’re thinking about going down this route, it’s a good idea to get advice first.
3. Wait six years
If you don’t qualify for removal or cannot pay the CCJ quickly, it will stay on your credit file for six years from the date it was issued. This is true whether or not you pay off the debt.
After six years, the CCJ is automatically removed from your credit file, even if you still owe money. This gives some people peace of mind, especially if they’re not in a position to repay the debt straight away.
If you do pay the CCJ after the 30-day window, it will still stay on your record for six years but be marked as satisfied. This tells lenders that you’ve cleared the debt, which can help improve your creditworthiness slightly compared to an unpaid CCJ.
4. Get professional debt advice
If you’re not sure what to do next, or you’re struggling to deal with debts, getting expert advice can make all the difference.
A debt adviser can:
- Help you decide whether to repay the CCJ or apply to have it set aside
- Talk you through affordable payment options
- Check if you qualify for a debt solution such as a Debt Management Plan (DMP) or Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA)
- Support you in dealing with other creditors.
For example, here at MoneyPlus, we offer confidential, non-judgmental help and tailored solutions. We’ll work with you to find the best way forward based on your personal circumstances.
How to check if you have a CCJ
If you’re not sure whether you have a CCJ, or if you think one might have been issued without your knowledge, there are a few ways to find out.
1. Check the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines
This is the official public record of CCJs issued in England and Wales. It’s managed by Registry Trust, and you can search it online for a small fee (currently £6). You’ll need to enter your full name and address. If you’ve moved recently, it’s a good idea to check your past addresses as well.
This method is quick and reliable, and the results are available straight away.
2. Look at your credit report
Most CCJs will show up on your credit file. You can check your credit report for free using services like:
- Experian
- Equifax
- TransUnion
- ClearScore
- Credit Karma
These reports will usually show the date the CCJ was issued, the amount you owe, and whether it has been marked as satisfied.
Checking your credit file regularly is a good habit, especially if you’ve had financial issues in the past or suspect something may have been missed.
3. Contact the County Court Business Centre (CCBC)
If you’re unable to find a CCJ using the other methods, you can contact the CCBC, which issues most CCJs in England and Wales. You’ll need to provide your name, address, and other identifying details. They can confirm whether a judgment has been registered against you.
Keep in mind that court papers are sent to the address the creditor has on file. So if you’ve moved home recently and didn’t update your contact details, a CCJ might have been issued without your knowledge. This is one reason why people apply to have a judgment set aside.
A CCJ can feel like a major setback, but it doesn’t have to shape your future. With the right support and a clear plan, you can deal with the judgment, rebuild your credit, and take steps toward a more secure financial future.
To discover more about CCJs, managing your debt and to receive free debt advice, you can visit Money Helper. Alternatively, get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to help you out.
