What happens when you receive a County Court Judgment?
A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is issued by the County Court when a claimant wins a debt claim against you. You will receive a judgment order stating the amount owed. If you pay the full amount within 30 days of the judgment date, you can apply to have the CCJ removed from the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines so it does not appear on your credit file.
How do I apply to set aside a CCJ I did not know about?
If you were not properly notified of the claim — for example because it was sent to an old address — you can apply to set aside the CCJ using form N244 (Application Notice) at the County Court. You must act promptly. The court will consider whether you have a real prospect of successfully defending the claim when deciding whether to set it aside. The application fee is currently £275.
What is form N245 and when do I use it?
Form N245 (Application to pay by instalments) is used when you accept the CCJ but cannot afford to pay the full amount immediately. You apply to the court to vary the judgment so that you can pay by affordable monthly instalments. The court will ask for details of your income and expenses. A creditor can object but the court makes the final decision on what is affordable.
How long does a CCJ stay on my credit file?
A CCJ remains on your credit file for six years from the date of the judgment if it is not satisfied. This affects your ability to get credit, mortgages, and sometimes rental accommodation. If you pay in full within one calendar month of the judgment date and apply to the court, the judgment is cancelled (marked as satisfied and removed). After one month, paying in full only marks it as satisfied, not removed.
What is a Tomlin Order and how does it settle a CCJ?
A Tomlin Order is a consent order that stays court proceedings on agreed terms scheduled to the order. It allows you and the creditor to agree a private settlement (such as a reduced lump sum or a payment plan) without the full terms appearing on the public court record. A Tomlin Order requires both parties to agree and is filed with the court. It is enforceable as a court order.
What enforcement methods can a creditor use if I ignore a CCJ?
If you ignore a CCJ the creditor can apply for several enforcement methods without further warning: a warrant of control (sending County Court bailiffs), a charging order over your property, an attachment of earnings order requiring your employer to deduct payments from your wages, or a third-party debt order freezing your bank account. Enforcement requires a further court application but is routinely granted.
Can I defend a CCJ on the merits after it has been issued?
Yes, if you successfully apply to set aside the CCJ (using N244), the original claim is reinstated and you can file a defence. You must show the court you have a real prospect of defending the claim on its merits, or that there is some other good reason to set it aside. Once set aside, the case proceeds as a defended claim and you can argue your case at a hearing.
Is there a time limit for responding to a CCJ?
You have 30 days from the judgment date to pay in full and have the CCJ removed from the register. If you want to apply to set it aside there is no strict deadline but you must act promptly — delay will count against you. For instalment applications using N245, you can apply at any point while the judgment is unpaid. Citizens Advice can help you decide the right approach.
Does the County Court process require a solicitor?
No. The County Court is designed to be accessible to people without legal representation. Forms N244 and N245 are available free at HMCTS and on gov.uk. The court will assess your application on its merits. However, if the debt is large or the claim is complex, legal advice before the hearing reduces the risk of an adverse outcome.
How does uplaw.ai help with a CCJ response?
Tell uplaw.ai when you received the CCJ, whether you knew about the original claim, and your financial situation. We help you identify the right response — set aside, instalment application, or settlement — and prepare the correct form N244 or N245 with a supporting witness statement ready to file at the County Court.
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Received a CCJ? Tell uplaw.ai what happened.
No account required. uplaw.ai identifies the right response and prepares your N244 or N245 form with a supporting statement.