How to remove a CCJ in 2025

A CCJ is a County Court Judgment.

What is a CCJ?

A CCJ is an Order of the Court wherein a judgment (a decision) has been made against you for a debt. This will have serious consequences for your credit rating if it remains on your financial file. It could affect your ability to obtain a mortgage or any other form of credit, including mobile phones, and possibly even impact your job or your ability to apply for rental housing.

The good news, however, is that there are ways to remove a CCJ. You should do this before bailiffs or High Court Sheriffs attend your property. This is where we come in.

Can I Get a CCJ Removed?

The answer is a qualified yes, you can get your CCJ removed. There are three ways this can happen:

We can make an application to Court for you to remove it. We have removed thousands of CCJs for our clients. We are very experienced in this type of work.
Removal will occur naturally if you pay the debt in full within 30 days of the CCJ. You must move fast to ensure no permanent stain on your financial record. Pay within 30 days only if you agree that you owe the money.
Wait six years! A CCJ will be wiped from your record after six years even if you don’t pay it. However, in certain circumstances, the Claimant may extend this period and continue to enforce the CCJ, potentially sending bailiffs to recover the money.

What Should I Do about a CCJ?

Feel free to call or email us. An experienced CCJ solicitor will advise you entirely free of charge.

What Will Happen to My Credit Score?

If a CCJ remains on your records, your credit score will decrease. Having it removed should increase your score. On average, we have seen clients’ credit scores rise by 200 points, though results vary depending on individual circumstances.

What Happens if I Ignore a CCJ?

Ignoring a CCJ can lead to enforcement actions. Bailiffs may attempt to seize your goods or clamp your car, adding significant stress. Costs associated with enforcement are often added to your debt, increasing the amount owed. Ignoring a CCJ is not advisable.

If I Don’t Owe the Money, What Should I Do?

Even if a CCJ is issued against you, a valid defense may allow its removal. Contact us to discuss your options. Note that simply not receiving court papers isn’t a defense, but claimants often make errors in the claim amount or content. We can help draft a defense if necessary.

How Do I Get a County Court Judgment Marked as Satisfied?

Even if satisfied, a CCJ remains on your record for six years, negatively affecting your credit score. If paid in full, request the Claimant’s confirmation and apply to the Court for a certificate of satisfaction. This option is for cases without grounds for CCJ removal.

Can the Claimant Get an Extension Beyond Six Years?

Yes, claimants can apply to extend enforcement, but they must provide clear evidence justifying the extension.

CCJ Credit Scores</3>

A CCJ can reduce your credit score by 150-200 points, with multiple CCJs causing a larger impact. Defaults and unpaid debts also affect scores.

A CCJ Can Affect Your Job

Employers, particularly those hiring for financial roles, may reject candidates with a CCJ after conducting a credit check.

How Long Can a Debt Be Chased in the UK?

Ordinary debts are typically chased for six years, though mortgage debts can be pursued for 12 years. Rare cases of enforcement beyond 10 years have occurred.

How Can I Improve My Credit Score?

Removing a CCJ can boost your credit score. Default marks from original debts also impact scores. Prompt action to remove a CCJ can aid mortgage applications, given court delays.

Does a CCJ Affect Car Insurance Quotes?

Yes, a CCJ may prevent you from obtaining monthly payment plans, requiring full annual payments instead.

Can I Rent a House with a Satisfied CCJ?

A satisfied CCJ is less damaging than an unsatisfied one, but many landlords and agents still reject applicants with CCJs.

Do Landlords Accept People with CCJs?

Many landlords have a no-CCJ policy. A failed credit check often leads to rental application rejections.

Do Private Landlords Do Credit Checks?

Yes, most private landlords or their agents perform credit checks. A low score due to a CCJ often results in denial of tenancy.

Can You Pass a Credit Check with a CCJ?

Passing depends on your overall credit score and the criteria of the party conducting the check. Generally, a CCJ hinders approval.

Can Bailiffs Force Entry into My Property for CCJs?

Bailiffs can force entry for certain debts, including magistrates’ court fines and tax debts. They must follow specific rules and times (6 am to 9 pm). Do not allow bailiffs in—keep doors locked and request proof of the debt and a signed warrant. Call 999 if threatened.

CCJ Removal Solicitors

If you have a CCJ, our CCJ Removal Solicitors can help. We are Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) regulated and insured.

REMEMBER: Only solicitors can make a court application for you. Others doing so commit a criminal offense (Legal Services Act, Section 12).