If you fall behind on a debt, a creditor can apply to court for a CCJ in England and Wales. It’s a serious step, but there’s a lot you can do, especially if you act before the judgment is made.
The short answer
- A CCJ is a court order to repay a debt, usually by instalments or in one go.
- You usually have 14 days to respond to a claim form.
- If you pay the full amount within one month of the judgment, it can be removed from the register.
- Otherwise it stays on your credit file for six years.
- If you don’t keep to the order, the creditor can enforce it.
How does a CCJ happen?
The creditor must normally send you a letter before action first. If you don’t pay, they can issue a claim. You’ll get a claim form from the court, often through the Money Claim Online service, with a response pack.
How should I respond to a claim?
- If you owe the money: admit the claim and make an affordable payment offer using the income and expenditure form.
- If you dispute it: file a defence explaining why.
- Don’t ignore it. If you don’t respond, the creditor can get a judgment by default, and may ask for payment in full.
How can a CCJ be enforced?
If you don’t pay as ordered, the creditor can ask for enforcement, including county court bailiffs, an attachment of earnings order, a charging order on your home, or transferring the debt to High Court enforcement officers.
Can a CCJ go into a debt solution?
Yes. CCJs can usually be included in a debt management plan, an IVA, a DRO or bankruptcy. See can a CCJ be included in an IVA? For national figures, see our CCJ statistics.
Common questions
How long does a CCJ stay on my credit file?
Six years from the date of the judgment, unless you pay it in full within one month, in which case it can be removed.
Can I get a CCJ set aside?
Possibly, if you didn’t receive the claim or have a real defence. You apply to the court using form N244, and a fee usually applies.
Can I pay a CCJ in instalments?
Yes. You can offer instalments when you respond, or ask the court to vary the amount later if your circumstances change.
Is a CCJ a criminal record?
No. A CCJ is a civil matter and doesn’t give you a criminal record.
Getting help
You don’t have to deal with debt on your own. Free, impartial advice is available from MoneyHelper, StepChange and National Debtline. If you want to talk through whether a formal solution such as an IVA could be suitable, you can also get in touch with us.