What is a County Court Judgment?
What is a County Court Judgment?
If you owe money and have failed to make payments, your creditor can take a County Court Judgment (or CCJ) against you to claim the money. CCJs are usually issued after you've made little or no attempt with your creditors to reach an arrangement. Your creditors must send a default notice to you before they can apply for a CCJ.
If you can't pay the money and the creditor won't negotiate, you must fill in a legal court claim form and return it within 14 days. When a CCJ is applied for, the court doesn't find anyone 'guilty' or 'innocent'. It simply looks at the facts and decides whether you owe any money – and if so – how you should repay it
.How can I avoid a CCJ?
You must pay your creditor in full including court costs and fee within 14 days (allow for posting time). Send the payment direct to the claimant and ask for a receipt. As long as you meet the deadline there is no need to contact the court or return any forms.
What if I can't afford to pay?
You'll need to ask for time to pay – to do this you must complete the admission form N9A which asks for a payment plan to be considered. Send the form to the claimant within 14 days and keep a copy for yourself.
What if I don't agree with the amount owed?
Complete both N9A and N9B forms and return them to the court – this is known as 'making a part admission'.
Explain how much you owe and why you don't agree with the amount your creditor says. This should also be completed within 14 days.
What if I want to defend the claim?
If you feel that the money is not owed or it has been paid already, you must complete a Defense form N9B. Again return it to the court within 14 days.
What happens if I miss the deadline?
The claimant can request judgment against you without your side being heard. This is known as 'judgment by default'.
This can result in a CCJ demanding you pay the money in full (plus costs) immediately, which can also affect your credit rating.
What can I do if a judgment by default has been issued?
If it's not possible for you to pay the full amount within a set time, you can use an N245 form to apply for a variation order.
What next?
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