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CCJ Specialist Guide

CCJ Removal & Management Guide

Expert advice on dealing with County Court Judgments (CCJs) in the UK, including removal options, satisfaction strategies, and rebuilding your credit after a CCJ.

The Basics

Understanding County Court Judgments

A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a court order registered against you when you fail to repay money you owe. CCJs can seriously impact your ability to obtain credit, rent property, or even get certain jobs.

CCJs remain on your credit file for 6 years from the date of judgment, unless you pay the full amount within one month of receiving the judgment, in which case you can apply to have it removed completely.

CCJ Impact on Your Credit

  • Severe Score Drop

    A CCJ can drop your credit score by 250+ points instantly

  • Public Record

    CCJs appear on the public Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines

  • Lender Red Flag

    Many mainstream lenders automatically decline applications with CCJs

  • Long-lasting Effect

    Impact diminishes over time but remains for the full 6 years

Your Options

CCJ Removal & Management Options

Depending on your situation, there are several ways to deal with a CCJ on your credit file.

1

Pay Within One Month (Complete Removal)

If you pay the CCJ in full within one month of the judgment date, you can apply to have it completely removed from both the public register and your credit file.

How to do it:

  1. Pay the full amount to the claimant immediately
  2. Get proof of payment (receipt or bank statement)
  3. Complete form N443 (Certificate of Satisfaction)
  4. Pay the court fee (currently £15)
  5. Submit the form and evidence to the court that issued the CCJ
  6. Once approved, the CCJ will be removed from the register and your credit file
2

Pay After One Month (Mark as Satisfied)

If you pay the CCJ in full after the one-month period, you can't have it removed completely, but you can have it marked as "satisfied" on your credit report and the public register.

How to do it:

  1. Pay the full amount to the claimant
  2. Get proof of payment (receipt or bank statement)
  3. Complete form N443 (Certificate of Satisfaction)
  4. Pay the court fee (currently £15)
  5. Submit the form and evidence to the court that issued the CCJ
  6. The CCJ will remain on your file for 6 years but will be marked as "satisfied"
3

Set Aside the CCJ (If You Weren't Aware)

If you didn't know about the CCJ (perhaps you moved house and didn't receive the paperwork), you may be able to apply to have it "set aside" (cancelled).

How to do it:

  1. Act quickly as soon as you discover the CCJ
  2. Complete form N244 (Application Notice)
  3. Pay the court fee (currently £255)
  4. Provide evidence that you didn't receive the claim form
  5. Explain why you have a reasonable prospect of defending the claim
  6. Attend the court hearing
  7. If successful, the CCJ will be removed from your record
4

Dispute an Incorrect CCJ

If the CCJ was issued in error or contains incorrect information, you can apply to have it corrected or removed.

How to do it:

  1. Gather evidence proving the CCJ is incorrect
  2. Complete form N244 (Application Notice)
  3. Clearly explain why the CCJ is incorrect
  4. Pay the court fee
  5. Submit the form and evidence to the court
  6. Attend any required hearings
Recovery Plan

Rebuilding After a CCJ

Even if you can't remove a CCJ, you can take steps to minimize its impact and rebuild your credit.

Immediate Actions

  • Pay the CCJ if possible

    Even if it's been more than a month, paying the CCJ and getting it marked as satisfied is better than leaving it unpaid

  • Add a Notice of Correction

    Add a 200-word statement to your credit file explaining the circumstances of the CCJ

  • Check for other issues

    Review your full credit report and address any other negative items

Long-term Recovery

  • Register on the electoral roll

    This is a simple way to boost your score despite having a CCJ

  • Use credit building products

    Consider credit builder cards or LOQBOX to establish positive payment history

  • Be patient

    The impact of a CCJ diminishes over time, especially after 2-3 years

  • Consider specialist lenders

    Some lenders specialize in helping people with CCJs access credit

Common Questions

CCJ Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to common questions about County Court Judgments in the UK.

Can I get a mortgage with a CCJ?

Yes, it's possible to get a mortgage with a CCJ, but you'll likely need to use a specialist mortgage broker and lender. Your chances improve if the CCJ is satisfied, over 2 years old, and for a small amount. You may need a larger deposit (typically 15-25%) and should expect higher interest rates.

How long does a CCJ stay on my credit file?

A CCJ stays on your credit file for 6 years from the date of judgment, regardless of whether you pay it or not. However, if you pay it within one month, you can apply to have it removed completely. If paid after one month, it will be marked as "satisfied" but will still remain for the full 6 years.

Can I check if I have a CCJ?

Yes, you can check if you have a CCJ by searching the Registry Trust's Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines. You can do this online for a small fee. Alternatively, CCJs will appear on your credit reports from Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.

What happens if I ignore a CCJ?

Ignoring a CCJ can have serious consequences. The creditor can enforce the judgment through various means, including: sending bailiffs to your home, applying for an attachment of earnings order (taking money directly from your wages), or placing a charging order on your property. Additionally, an unsatisfied CCJ will have a more severe impact on your credit score than one that has been paid.

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