What happens if I get a CCJ (County Court Judgment)?
A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a court order telling you to pay money. It is not a criminal conviction, but it devastates your credit file for 6 years. However, if you act fast (within 30 days) or prove you never received the claim form, you can clear it completely.
1 The Typical Timeline
If you take no action, this is the standard statutory process. Timescales are approximate but typical for 2026.
Claim Form (N1)
You receive a 'Claim Form' pack in the post. You have 14 days to reply (acknowledge service).
Judgment for Claimant
If you ignore Step 1, the court issues the CCJ 'in default'. It is now legally binding.
Enforcement Notice
If you still don't pay, they can transfer the debt to High Court Enforcement Officers (Bailiffs).
2 Free Calculators & Checks
Can you get it deleted? Check if you have grounds to 'Set Aside'.
CCJ Removal Potential Checker
Can you get the CCJ deleted from your file?
Question 1 of 3
Did you know about the CCJ before it appeared on your credit file?
Can you get it deleted? Check if you have grounds to 'Set Aside'.
CCJ Removal Potential Checker
Can you get the CCJ deleted from your file?
Question 1 of 3
Did you know about the CCJ before it appeared on your credit file?
Can they force entry? See exactly what powers the bailiff has.
Bailiff Power Scanner
Can they force their way into your home?
If they take wages, how much will you lose?
Attachment of Earnings Calculator
How much can the court take from your wages?
The 30-Day 'Grace Period'
If you pay the FULL amount (including court fees) within 30 days of the judgment date, the CCJ is removed entirely from the register. It is as if it never happened. You must send proof of payment to the court.
Default Judgments (I didn't know!)
Most CCJs are 'Default Judgments'—issued because you didn't reply. If the claim form went to an old address, you have a legal right to apply to 'Set Aside' the judgment using form N244. This rewinds the clock.
Summary of Options
Form N244 (Set Aside)
Apply to the court to cancel the judgment if you have a valid reason (e.g., wrong address).
Form N245 (Variation)
Apply to pay in affordable monthly installments. This stops bailiffs.
Common Questions
Will I go to prison?
No. You cannot go to prison for a CCJ (civil debt).
Can they take my house?
Rarely. For debts over £1,000 they can get a 'Charging Order' to secure the debt against your home, but forced sale is very rare.
Does it affect my job?
Only if you work in finance, law, or security (vetting often checks for CCJs).
How long does it last?
6 years from the date of judgment. Then it vanishes automatically.
Can I get a mortgage?
It is very difficult with an active CCJ, but specialist lenders exist. It gets easier as the CCJ gets older.
Official Sources & References
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