CCJs

What Is a County Court Judgment (CCJ) and How Does It Work?

Everything businesses need to know about using County Court Judgments to recover unpaid debts.

Understanding County Court Judgments (CCJs)

If someone owes you money and won't pay, you might consider taking legal action. One of the most effective tools available to creditors is the County Court Judgment, more commonly known as a CCJ.

But what is a CCJ? How does it work? And what happens if it’s ignored?

This page breaks down everything you need to know, including pre-action protocol, how to enforce a CCJ, and what to expect throughout the process.

What is a County Court Judgment (CCJ)?

A County Court Judgment is a formal court order requiring a debtor to repay money they owe. It can be issued against individuals, sole traders or businesses when other efforts to recover the debt have failed.

A CCJ acts as a clear legal instruction. Once issued, the debtor is required to pay, either in full or in instalments, depending on the circumstances.

When Should You Consider a CCJ?

Before issuing a CCJ, businesses must follow pre-action protocol. This includes sending a Letter of Claim, giving the debtor at least 30 days to respond, and making reasonable efforts to resolve the matter amicably. The goal is to avoid court action where possible.

If there's no response or a resolution can't be reached, the next step is to issue a CCJ claim through the county court.

The CCJ Process Explained

Step 1: Issue a claim:
The creditor submits a claim form to the court.

Step 2: Notice to the debtor:
The debtor receives the claim and has 14 days to respond.

Step 3: Debtor’s response:

Admit the debt and pay in full
Request time to pay
Dispute the debt
Do nothing

Step 4: Judgment issued:
If the debtor doesn’t respond or the court rules in the creditor’s favour, a CCJ is issued.

What Does a Claim Form Look Like?

The County Court Claim Form (N1) is the official document used to start court proceedings for a County Court Judgment (CCJ) in England and Wales, usually four to five pages long and containing several sections:

Claimant and Defendant Details - names, addresses and contact details of both parties.
Brief Details of Claim - a short summary of the case, stating the amount owed and the reason for the claim.
Claim Value and Costs - including the debt amount, court fee and any legal costs.
Preferred Court Location - where you would like the hearing to take place.
Vulnerability and Human Rights Questions - if relevant to the case.
Particulars of Claim - a more detailed explanation of the claim which can be included in the form or attached as separate sheets.
Statement of Truth - signed by the claimant or their legal representative to confirm the information is accurate.
Guidance Notes - included at the end to explain how to complete and submit the form.

Once completed, the N1 form is submitted to the court, either online, by post or in person. The court then issues the claim and serves it on the defendant, giving them a set time to respond.

What Happens If a CCJ is Ignored?

A CCJ is enforceable by law. If a debtor fails to act on the court order, creditors have several legal options to recover the money:

Bailiff or High Court Enforcement
Officers can be instructed to visit the debtor’s home or business to seize goods.
Attachment of Earnings Order
A portion of the debtor’s wages is deducted and paid directly to the creditor.
Charging Order
The debt is secured against the debtor’s property and paid upon sale.
Third Party Debt Order
Freezes money in the debtor’s bank account and redirects it to the creditor.
Bankruptcy or Winding-Up Petition
In serious cases, insolvency proceedings can be issued if thresholds are met.

Each route has specific criteria and implications. A specialist debt collection agency can help assess the best course of action.

How Long Does a CCJ Stay on Record?

Unless settled within 30 days, a CCJ remains on the debtor’s credit file for six years, significantly impacting their ability to access credit.

Paid within 30 days - can be removed from the public register.
Paid after 30 days - marked as ‘satisfied’ but remains visible.
Issued in error - may be set aside by the court if appropriate.

Common Questions About CCJs

Can I issue a CCJ without a signed contract?

Yes. As long as there is sufficient evidence of the agreement (e.g. invoices, emails, verbal contracts with proof), a claim may still succeed.

What if the debtor can't be located?

We offer Debtor Tracing services to locate hard-to-find debtors before enforcement action begins.

Is court attendance required?

Usually not. Most CCJs are processed in writing. In rare cases where a dispute is raised, a hearing may take place.

Will I definitely get my money back?

A CCJ provides a legal route to payment but success depends on the debtor's circumstances. That’s why choosing the right enforcement method is key.

Understanding CCJs

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