What happens if I ignore a County Court claim form?
The Danger of the "Default Judgment"
When you receive a County Court claim form (N1), you have a strict legal window to react. If you ignore it—thinking the debt isn't yours, or that you'll deal with it later—the claimant can ask the court for a Default Judgment.
A Default Judgment means a judge orders you to pay the full amount claimed, plus interest and court fees, without ever hearing your side of the story. This is recorded on your credit file as a CCJ and stays there for 6 years, making it nearly impossible to get a mortgage, loan, or even some jobs.
Three Immediate Consequences of Inaction:
- Automatic Loss: You waive your right to dispute the amount or the debt's existence.
- Enforcement Speed: Once judgment is entered, the claimant can apply for a warrant (bailiffs) or an attachment of earnings (money taken from your salary) immediately.
- Increased Debt: Court fees and fixed solicitor costs are added to your balance, often increasing the debt by 10-25%.
Use our tools below to see how long you have left and what the total cost of a CCJ will be for your specific claim.
1 The Typical Timeline
If you take no action, this is the standard statutory process. Timescales are approximate but typical for 2026.
Claim Issued
The court issues the claim. The 14-day clock starts ticking from the date you receive it (deemed 5 days after issue).
Default Window Opens
If you haven't Acknowledged Service, the claimant can request judgment. From this moment, you are in 'Sudden Death' mode.
Judgment Entered
If no defense is filed, a CCJ is recorded. You have 30 days to pay it in full to have it removed from the register.
Enforcement
Bailiffs are dispatched, or your employer is ordered to deduct money from your pay packet.
2 Free Calculators & Checks
Ignoring a claim doesn't save money. See the extra fees and solicitor costs being added to your debt.
How much extra will court cost me?
If you lose, the claimant adds these fees to your debt.
Estimates based on standard County Court fees. Interest usually added at 8% per annum.
The clock is ticking. Enter the 'Issue Date' from your form to see exactly when you will lose your rights.
Claim Deadline Counter
Calculate exactly when you will lose the right to defend your case.
Enter the issue date to see your legal windows.
Are you in 'Sudden Death' or do you still have time? See your current legal risk level.
Default Judgment Risk Checker
Have you responded to the claim in any way?
The Enforcement Arsenal
If you ignore a CCJ, creditors have several powerful ways to get their money:
- Warrant of Control: County Court Bailiffs visit your home to seize goods.
- Writ of Control: High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs) are faster and more aggressive.
- Attachment of Earnings: The court orders your boss to pay part of your salary directly to the creditor.
- Charging Order: The debt is secured against your house, meaning you can't sell or remortgage without paying it off.
- Third Party Debt Order: HMRC or the bank is ordered to freeze your account and hand over funds.
Is it too late to respond?
Technically, you can file a response any time until the claimant actually requests judgment.
If you are on Day 20 and haven't heard anything, file your Acknowledgment immediately. Even if you are late, the court system will often accept the filing if the 'Request for Judgment' hasn't been processed yet. This is known as 'beating the claimant to the draw'.
Summary of Options
Acknowledge Service
Do this via the 'Money Claim Online' (MCOL) website. It takes 2 minutes and buys you an extra 14 days to think/prepare.
Application to Set Aside
If you ignored the form because of a good reason (e.g. it went to an old address), you can apply on Form N244 to 'Set Aside' the judgment. This costs £303.
Pay within 30 days
If you pay a CCJ in full within 30 days of the judgment date, you can get it 'Cancelled' so it doesn't appear on your credit file.
Common Questions
Can I ignore it if the name is spelled wrong?
NO. Minor typos do not invalidate a claim. If it's clearly intended for you, ignoring it will still result in a CCJ. You should respond and point out the error instead.
What if the claim went to my old address?
This is the most common way people 'ignore' claims. You can apply to set aside the judgment (Form N244) because of 'Limited Service', but you must act as soon as you find out about the debt.
Will a CCJ affect my job?
It can. If you work in finance, law, or have a high-level security clearance, a CCJ can be a breach of your contract or professional standards.
Official Sources & References
Related Situations
Other guides accurately explaining what happens next in fines & penalties .
What happens if I'm taken to court for debt?
A Court Claim (CCJ) is serious, but you have 14 days to respond. Ignoring it guarantees you lose.
What happens if I don't pay my TV licence?
It is a criminal offence, but it is not a 'recordable' one. You face a fine of up to £1,000 (plus costs), but you CANNOT go to prison just for not paying.
What happens if I receive a Single Justice Procedure notice?
SJP notices are used for 'minor' offences like TV licence evasion or speeding. One magistrate can convict you in private without you being in court.