UK County Court Judgment (CCJ) Explained and Removal

A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a court order requiring the defendant to pay a debt to the claimant. CCJs are registered on the public Registry Trust register (TrustOnline) and visible to credit reference agencies for 6 years. They are a significant credit-file negative that affects access to most credit products during the registration period.

This guide covers how a CCJ is created, the defendant's response options, what happens if a CCJ is left unpaid, and the routes to remove a CCJ once it has been registered.

How a CCJ comes about

The CCJ process starts with the creditor following the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims (PAP) - sending a Letter of Claim with prescribed information and giving the debtor 30 days to respond. Where the debtor does not engage or the dispute cannot be resolved, the creditor issues court proceedings.

The Claim Form arrives at the debtor's address with a Particulars of Claim and a Response Pack. The debtor has 14 days to file an Acknowledgement of Service (extending the response time) and 28 days to file a Defence. Failure to respond within 14 days results in a Default Judgment - the claimant wins automatically without a hearing.

Where the defendant files an Acknowledgement and Defence, the case proceeds to either a Small Claims hearing (for claims under GBP 10,000), a Fast Track hearing (GBP 10,000-25,000), or Multi-Track (above GBP 25,000). The court hears evidence from both sides and decides.

Worked example: a creditor sends a PAP Letter of Claim for GBP 3,200. The debtor does not respond. The creditor issues a County Court claim. The debtor receives the Claim Form but does not file an Acknowledgement within 14 days. Default Judgment is entered for GBP 3,200 plus court fees and interest. The CCJ is registered on TrustOnline.

Paying a CCJ: the 30-day removal window

If the CCJ is paid in full within 30 days of the judgment date, it is removed from the public Registry Trust register. The credit reference agencies do not show it on the credit file. This is a strong incentive to pay quickly where the debt is owed.

After 30 days, paying the CCJ in full marks it as 'Satisfied' on the public register and on credit files, but the entry remains for the full 6 years from judgment date. Satisfied CCJs are weighted less negatively by lenders than unsatisfied, but they still appear.

Worked example one: a debtor receives a CCJ on 15 May 2026 for GBP 2,800. They pay the full amount on 5 June 2026 (within 30 days). The CCJ is removed from TrustOnline and is not reported by the CRAs. Credit file is clean.

Worked example two: the same debtor pays on 20 July 2026 (after 30 days). The CCJ is marked Satisfied on TrustOnline and on credit files. The Satisfied marker reduces lender concern slightly but the CCJ remains visible until 15 May 2032 (6 years from judgment date).

Set-aside: cancelling a CCJ

A defendant who believes the CCJ was wrongly entered (didn't receive the claim, has a genuine defence, was at the wrong address) can apply to set aside the judgment. Application is made on form N244 with the court fee (GBP 313 for an application without notice as of 2025; check current fees on gov.uk).

The application must explain why the CCJ should be set aside and show a real prospect of successfully defending. Where the defendant did not receive the claim due to an old address, evidence of address change (tenancy agreement, council tax, utility bills at new address) supports the application.

If granted, the CCJ is set aside and the case typically proceeds to a defence hearing. The claimant must prove the debt at hearing rather than relying on the default judgment. Where the defendant succeeds at the substantive hearing, no CCJ is registered.

Edge case: set-aside applications have strict timing rules. Once a CCJ has been registered, the application should be made 'promptly'. Delay weakens the application; an application made 6 months after a CCJ for which the defendant was clearly aware will typically fail. Acting within weeks of discovering the CCJ is the standard.

Unpaid CCJ: enforcement options

An unpaid CCJ allows the creditor several enforcement routes. Attachment of Earnings Order takes a deduction from the debtor's wages through the employer payroll. Charging Order secures the debt against the debtor's property (must be sought through the court). Bailiff (Court Enforcement Agent) seizure of goods. Bankruptcy petition where the debt is over GBP 5,000.

Each route requires further court application. The creditor weighs the cost of further enforcement against the likely return. Bailiff action is common for moderate-size debts; charging orders for larger debts where the debtor owns property; attachment of earnings where the debtor has identifiable employment.

Worked example: a creditor with a GBP 4,000 unpaid CCJ applies for an Attachment of Earnings Order. The court orders the debtor's employer to deduct GBP 80 a month from net pay and remit to the court. The debtor sees the deduction on each payslip. The deduction continues until the GBP 4,000 plus interest is paid.

Practical action: where a CCJ is unaffordable, engaging with the creditor or the court before enforcement starts produces better outcomes than ignoring. The creditor may agree a payment plan reducing pressure; the court can order a Time Order under section 129 CCA 1974 setting affordable instalments.

CCJs and credit recovery

CCJs remain on the credit file for 6 years from the judgment date regardless of whether paid or not. Satisfied CCJs are weighted less negatively but still appear. Mortgage applications are particularly affected by recent CCJs; lenders often require 12-24 months clear after a CCJ before considering an application.

During the 6-year registration period, credit-builder cards and specialist 'adverse credit' products may be the only available credit. Mainstream cards and loans typically decline. Patience and consistent on-time payments on whatever credit is accessible builds positive history alongside the CCJ marker.

After the CCJ falls off at 6 years from judgment date, the credit file recovers substantially. Combined with continued good payment history, scores typically return to 'Good' or 'Very Good' bands within 12-18 months of the CCJ aging off.

Practical action: regularly checking the credit file (annual statutory reports plus free monitoring services) confirms when the CCJ falls off. Some lenders treat the file as 'clean' as soon as the CCJ is no longer visible, opening up mainstream products. Knowing the exact removal date helps timing applications for major credit (mortgage, large loan) after that point.

Variation of payment terms

A CCJ debtor unable to pay the full amount immediately can apply for variation of the payment terms. The court has discretion to order payment by instalments under the Civil Procedure Rules. The application is made on form N245 with a court fee (around GBP 14 for small claims; check current rate).

The court considers the debtor's income and outgoings, the creditor's position, and the public interest. Reasonable instalments are usually granted; the order specifies the amount per month and any further conditions. Failure to comply with the instalment order can lead to further enforcement.

Time Order under section 129 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 is a related route for regulated credit agreements. The court can order rescheduling of payments on terms that the borrower can afford. Time Orders are less commonly used but offer additional flexibility for CCA-regulated debts.

Practical action: where a CCJ is for an amount the debtor cannot pay in full, applying for variation early is better than waiting for enforcement. The court order provides clear terms protecting the debtor from further enforcement provided they comply.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a CCJ stay on my credit file?

Six years from the judgment date, regardless of whether paid or unpaid. If paid in full within 30 days of judgment, the CCJ is removed from the public register (TrustOnline) and is not reported by CRAs. If paid after 30 days, the CCJ is marked Satisfied on the register and credit file but remains for the full 6 years. After 6 years it automatically falls off all records.

Can I get a CCJ removed?

Yes through three routes: (1) pay within 30 days of judgment for automatic removal, (2) apply to court to set aside the CCJ on grounds of not receiving the claim or having a genuine defence (form N244, fee around GBP 313), (3) wait 6 years for automatic removal. Setting aside requires good grounds and prompt application; delays weaken the application materially.

What happens if I ignore a CCJ?

Enforcement can follow: Attachment of Earnings Order taking deductions from wages, Charging Order securing the debt against property, bailiff seizure of goods, or in larger cases bankruptcy petition where the debt exceeds GBP 5,000. The CCJ remains on the credit file for 6 years regardless. Engaging with the creditor or court before enforcement starts typically produces better outcomes than ignoring.

How do I check if I have a CCJ?

Search Registry Trust at TrustOnline (trustonline.org.uk) using your name and address. Statutory free credit reports from Experian, Equifax and TransUnion also show CCJs. If a CCJ exists and you were not aware, immediate action is needed: investigate whether you should pay within 30 days, set aside the judgment, or take other steps. Acting quickly preserves more options than delay.

Will a CCJ stop me getting a mortgage?

Recent CCJs (under 2 years old) typically result in mortgage decline at mainstream lenders. CCJs 2-6 years old may still affect lending decisions but specialist 'adverse credit' lenders consider them. Once the CCJ falls off at 6 years from judgment date, mainstream lending becomes accessible again. Some lenders treat Satisfied CCJs (paid but still on file) more favourably than unsatisfied.