Important: If you have received a claim form or CCJ, seek free legal or debt advice immediately from Citizens Advice or National Debtline. This guide is general educational information only.
A County Court Judgement (CCJ) is a court order that a judge makes against someone who owes money and has not repaid it. In England and Wales, creditors can apply to the County Court for a CCJ when they believe a debt is owed and the debtor has not responded to contact or dispute processes.
How a CCJ is issued
The creditor files a claim at the County Court. You will receive a claim form at your address. You have 14 days to respond. If you do not respond, or if you cannot show the debt is not owed, the court issues a default judgement — the CCJ.
What a CCJ means
- The court has formally ordered you to pay the debt
- The CCJ is recorded on the Register of Judgements, Orders and Fines for six years
- It will appear on your credit file and significantly reduces your credit score
- It can affect your ability to get a mortgage, loan, credit card or even some jobs
- If you do not pay, the creditor can apply for enforcement (bailiffs, attachment of earnings, charging order)
What you can do if you receive a CCJ
- Pay the full amount within 30 days — the CCJ is then marked as satisfied and removed from the Register (though it stays on your credit file)
- Apply to vary the judgement if you cannot afford the required payments — the court can set lower monthly instalments
- Apply to set aside (cancel) the CCJ if you did not receive the claim form, or if you have a genuine defence — strict time limits apply
- Seek free debt advice immediately — Citizens Advice, National Debtline or StepChange can help you understand your options
General information only — not legal advice. CCJ rules vary and can change. If you have received a claim form or CCJ, seek immediate free advice from Citizens Advice.