If you receive a County Court Judgement (CCJ), in most cases, the best practice is to repay it as soon as possible, thus avoiding further creditor action. However, there may be certain situations in which you might feel you have a legitimate reason for not paying a CCJ. In those circumstances, there are several ways to challenge a CCJ and attempt to have it removed.

More information about County Court Judgements

How long do I have to pay a CCJ?

The letter from the court will contain a date by which you’ll need to pay the specified amount. Usually, this date will be 30 days after the date the court issued the judgement. Before paying, you’ll have 14 days from the date printed on the statement of the amount owed to return the admission or defence form to the creditor.

Can a CCJ be removed?

If you owe the amount specified in the judgement, you should try to repay that amount in full as soon as possible. The court which issued the CCJ will send you a letter containing a statement for the amount owed, along with the admission and defence forms. If you receive these forms, you should complete them as appropriate and return them to the creditor.

More on how to deal with a CCJ

How to challenge a CCJ

If you have a legitimate reason not to pay the amount stated in the judgement, you can challenge the CCJ to have it removed from your credit file.

If your personal or business finances mean you’ll find it difficult to repay the amount requested by the creditor, you can fill in an N245 form. This form allows you to apply for a suspension of the warrant or request alterations to the payment plan to better suit your circumstances. There may be a court fee to apply for this, though, which will depend on the issuing court.

How we can help

Whatever your circumstances, it’s imperative you deal with a CCJ that arrives at your premises or address as quickly as possible. Doing so may seem like an intimidating task for those unfamiliar with the process, and the fees involved can sometimes be too much for those lacking the funds.

• Free, confidential advice
  If you’re struggling to pay a CCJ or can’t afford to challenge a CCJ one you don’t owe, speak to us without delay. Our consultants and insolvency practitioners have many years of experience in the industry and can advise the best way forward for you or your business. All our advice is free and impartial, with no obligation.
• Alternative repayment solutions
  If you’re unable to get a CCJ against your company set aside, and you’re unable to repay the amount immediately, you can apply for a Company Voluntary Arrangement (CVA). These are formal arrangements between you and your creditors, allowing you to repay your debts in monthly instalments at a rate tailored to what you can afford.
  Read more about Company Voluntary Arrangements

In summary

A County Court Judgement (CCJ) is issued to encourage you to repay what you owe; otherwise, you could risk further action from creditors. To remove the judgement from your credit file, you can pay it in full within 30 days of its issuing. However, if you don’t feel you owe the amount specified, you can challenge a CCJ and apply to have the judgement ‘set aside’. You can also request alterations to the payment plan to make it more affordable. The approval or rejection of the requested removal or amendments is at the issuing court’s discretion.

FAQs

💬 Live Chat - Available

✅ Free confidential help & advice

If you or your company is in financial difficulty, I may be able to help you. Our phone lines operate 9am until 9pm - 7 days a week.

Chat With MeFor immediate help & free advice, please freephone:

Free Consultation

Request a free confidential telephone consultation from 9am - 8pm, 7 days a week.

Call Now Schedule a Call

Back