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Have you recently found a County Court Judgment (CCJ) on your credit report and wondered how long it’s going to stay there? You’re not alone. Many people across England and Wales encounter this situation, often without fully understanding its long-term effects.
A CCJ can be issued if a creditor believes you haven’t repaid money owed and takes legal action through the courts. Once recorded, it not only affects your ability to borrow but also your financial credibility.
Understanding how long a CCJ lasts and how it influences your credit file is crucial if you’re planning for future loans, mortgages, or even mobile phone contracts.
In this guide, you’ll discover what a CCJ is, how long it remains on your credit file, and what steps you can take to reduce its impact or potentially remove it early. Let’s help you make informed decisions about managing and recovering from a CCJ.
What Is a County Court Judgment (CCJ)?
A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a legal decision made by a court in England and Wales when someone fails to repay a debt. If a creditor believes you owe them money and have not responded to their attempts at collection, they can apply to the county court to issue a CCJ against you. Once the court agrees, you’ll receive documentation through the post that outlines the judgment and repayment terms.
At this point, you typically have a few options you can pay the full amount immediately, propose a repayment plan, or dispute the claim if you believe it’s incorrect.
You may also submit counterclaims if the creditor has breached the agreement. Ignoring the CCJ can result in more serious enforcement action, including bailiff visits or deductions directly from your wages.
The details of the judgment will be recorded on the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines and shared with credit reference agencies. This public record means that anyone, including lenders, landlords, and employers, may be able to access this information. The sooner you act, the better your chances of reducing its negative impact.
How Long Does a CCJ Stay on Your Credit File?
Once a CCJ is issued, it stays on your credit file for six years from the date of the judgment. This is true whether or not the debt is fully paid off during that time. The judgment is also recorded on the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines, which is managed by the Registry Trust. This information is accessible to the public for a small fee.
Even if you pay off the debt in full or start making regular payments, the CCJ will remain visible to lenders and other agencies until it is automatically removed after six years. The presence of a CCJ can significantly reduce your chances of securing new credit, affecting everything from loan applications to tenancy agreements.
However, if you pay the full amount within one month of the judgment, you can apply for its removal from both your credit file and the register. If payment is made after a month, you cannot remove it early, but you can mark it as ‘satisfied,’ which lenders often view more positively. Knowing the exact timeline helps you plan your financial recovery more effectively.
Can You Remove a CCJ Before Six Years?
In most cases, a CCJ remains on your credit file and the public register for six full years. However, there are specific scenarios where you can remove or amend its status earlier. Acting quickly after receiving a CCJ improves your chances of minimising its long-term impact.
Paying the Full Amount Within a Month
If you manage to pay the full judgment amount within one calendar month of the CCJ being issued:
- You can apply to the County Court for a ‘certificate of cancellation’.
- You must complete court form N443 and submit proof of payment.
- Once accepted, the court will update the register, and the CCJ will be removed from your credit file.
This is the only scenario where a CCJ can be fully erased before the six-year period.
Paying After One Month and Marking as ‘Satisfied’
If you pay off the CCJ after one month from the date of issue:
- The CCJ will stay on your credit file for six years.
- However, you can request a ‘certificate of satisfaction’ from the court using the same form (N443).
- You’ll need to provide payment proof and pay a £15 court fee.
While the judgment will still be visible, it will be marked as ‘satisfied’, showing lenders you’ve cleared the debt. This can improve how future credit applications are assessed.
Whether you’re paying early or later, it’s crucial to communicate with the court and keep proof of all transactions. Taking these steps can protect your creditworthiness over the remaining duration of the CCJ’s life on your file.
What Happens if You Ignore a CCJ?
Ignoring a CCJ can have serious consequences. Once issued, the court expects a response, and failing to comply may lead to further legal enforcement.
You could face deductions from your wages through an attachment of earnings or visits from High Court Enforcement Officers. These officers can request payment on the spot and, if you refuse, may attempt to seize goods to cover the debt.
While bailiffs cannot force entry on their first visit, the situation can quickly escalate if you remain unresponsive. Ignoring a CCJ also prevents you from disputing it, which might have led to a set aside if the judgment was incorrect.
Instead of ignoring it, it’s always better to negotiate repayment terms with the creditor or respond using the N9A court form to avoid additional stress and costs. Acting early protects both your rights and your credit.
Who Can See That You Have a CCJ?
When a CCJ is issued against you, it becomes part of the public record through the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines. This register is managed by the Registry Trust and is accessible to anyone for a small fee. Lenders, employers, landlords, and even letting agents often check this register when assessing applications.
Additionally, the CCJ appears on your credit file, which is routinely checked during credit and employment applications. While it won’t disclose the identity of the creditor, it does show the amount, the court case number, and your name and address.
The only exception is if the full amount is paid within a month of the judgment, in which case the CCJ is removed and never appears on your credit file or the public register. Otherwise, visibility remains for six years, potentially affecting multiple aspects of your personal and financial life.
How Does a CCJ Affect Your Credit Score and Borrowing?
A CCJ has a direct and negative impact on your credit score. Credit reference agencies record the judgment once it’s added to the public register, which can significantly lower your score. This makes it harder to qualify for credit cards, personal loans, overdrafts, or even mobile phone contracts.
Some employers and letting agents also consider your credit file during background checks, and the presence of a CCJ can influence their decision. While paying the CCJ does not remove it, it shows responsibility and can be marked as ‘satisfied’, which lenders may view more favourably than unpaid debts.
The good news is your credit score can gradually improve over time, especially if you manage other financial commitments well. By understanding how a CCJ affects your profile, you can take proactive steps to rebuild your financial reputation.
Can You Set Aside a CCJ?
Yes, in certain circumstances, you can ask the court to ‘set aside’ a CCJ. This means the judgment is cancelled, and your record is cleared. However, this is only possible if you believe the CCJ was issued in error or you didn’t receive the claim form to respond in time.
To begin this process, you must submit an application to the court that issued the judgment and provide evidence supporting your case. Valid reasons might include not receiving the paperwork or having already paid the debt before the judgment was issued.
Setting aside a CCJ allows you to defend the claim from the start, potentially avoiding long-term damage to your credit profile. It’s essential to act quickly once you become aware of the CCJ and seek legal advice if needed. Timely action is key to having the judgment removed.
How to Pay a CCJ and Improve Your Credit Standing?
Paying off a CCJ not only shows responsibility but can also help you gradually improve your financial credibility. If you’re able to pay the full amount within a month, you should apply for a certificate of cancellation to remove it completely.
For payments made after a month, you can still apply for a certificate of satisfaction. Although the CCJ remains on your credit file, it shows that you’ve fulfilled your obligation, which some lenders consider when reviewing applications.
You can make payment in a lump sum or request to pay in affordable instalments by completing and returning the N9A court form. This helps avoid further enforcement and may allow you to stay in control of your finances. Consistently managing payments will demonstrate your commitment to financial recovery.
How to Rebuild Your Credit After a CCJ Is Removed?
Once your CCJ has been removed after six years, you have the opportunity to rebuild your credit score and reputation. First, ensure you’re registered on the electoral roll, as this helps confirm your identity with credit agencies.
Next, pay all other bills and credit agreements on time. Avoid making multiple credit applications in a short period, and check your credit report for accuracy using services like Experian or Equifax.
You can also connect your current account to tools like Experian Boost, which considers subscriptions and regular payments as signs of financial stability. By gradually improving your financial habits and keeping your credit usage low, you’ll see steady improvements in your score over time.
Key Facts About CCJ Duration in England and Wales
| Topic | Details |
| How long does a CCJ last? | 6 years from the date of judgment |
| Can it be removed early? | Yes, if paid within 1 month, and an application for removal is made |
| Is it visible on credit reports? | Yes, during the 6-year period |
| Can others see it? | Yes, via the public Register of Judgments for a fee |
| What happens if unpaid? | It still drops off after 6 years, but it can lead to further enforcement |
| Is a ‘satisfied’ CCJ better? | Yes, shows debt has been paid, even if it stays on your record |
| Can you dispute it? | Yes, through the court to request a ‘set aside’ |
Being informed of these facts helps you plan how to manage, settle, or challenge a CCJ effectively.
Conclusion
Dealing with a County Court Judgment can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure how long it will affect your credit. A CCJ typically lasts six years on your credit file and the public register, regardless of whether it’s paid.
However, with early action, such as paying in full within a month or applying to mark it as ‘satisfied,’ you can reduce its negative impact. You have options at every stage, from disputing the judgment to rebuilding your credit once it’s removed. By understanding the rules and using the right legal forms and procedures, you can take back control of your financial future.
FAQs
What happens after six years with an unpaid CCJ?
The CCJ is removed from your credit file and the public register, even if unpaid.
Can a mortgage lender see an old CCJ?
No, lenders won’t see it once it’s been removed after six years.
Will paying a CCJ improve my credit score?
It won’t remove the CCJ, but marking it as ‘satisfied’ may improve your score slightly.
How can I find out if I have a CCJ?
You can check the public register via Registry Trust or request a credit report.
Can a CCJ be enforced after six years?
Only with court permission, which is rare and based on specific conditions.
Does a CCJ affect renting a property?
Yes, landlords often check your credit file and may reject tenants with a CCJ.
Is it worth applying for a certificate of satisfaction?
Yes, as it shows the debt is paid and may help with future credit applications.
