A County Court Judgment is one of the most powerful tools available to recover money owed. It is also one of the most damaging marks on a debtor's credit record. This guide covers both sides.
A County Court Judgment is a court order requiring someone to pay money they owe. It is issued by the County Court in England and Wales when a creditor makes a claim and either wins the case or the defendant fails to respond.
A CCJ stays on the defendant's credit record for six years from the date of judgment, unless it is paid in full within one month — in which case it can be set aside and removed.
Before issuing a claim, you must send a Letter Before Action (also called a Letter Before Claim) giving the debtor a final opportunity to pay. The Pre-Action Protocol requires at least 14 days for most debt claims. Courts take a dim view of creditors who skip this step.
Claims up to £10,000 can be issued online at moneyclaims.service.gov.uk. Pay the court fee — £35 for claims up to £300, scaling up to £455 for claims up to £10,000. The fee is added to the claim.
The court serves the claim on the defendant, who has 14 days to respond. If they admit the claim and pay, the case is resolved. If they admit but can't pay in full, a payment plan may be arranged. If they dispute it, the case proceeds to a hearing. If they do nothing, you apply for a default judgment.
If the defendant fails to respond within 14 days of service, you can apply for a default judgment online. This is usually granted without a hearing. The CCJ is then registered against the defendant.
Obtaining a CCJ is one thing — enforcing it is another. If the debtor still doesn't pay, enforcement options include:
If you receive a claim form, do not ignore it. Failure to respond results in a default judgment regardless of whether the debt is legitimate.
You have 14 days from service to either acknowledge the claim (which gives you 28 days total to file a defence) or file a defence directly. If you dispute the debt, set out your reasons clearly in the defence form.
Setting aside a CCJ: If a default judgment was obtained because you didn't receive the claim form, or if you have a genuine defence, you can apply to the court to set aside the CCJ. You must act promptly — courts are less sympathetic the longer you wait.
A CCJ appears on the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines and on credit reference agency records for six years. During this time it significantly affects the ability to obtain credit, mortgages, and in some cases employment.
If paid in full within one month of judgment, you can apply for a certificate of cancellation and the CCJ is removed from the register. If paid after one month, the register shows it as satisfied but it remains visible for the six-year period.
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