If you’ve recently discovered a County Court Judgment (CCJ) on your credit file and had no idea it even existed, you’re not alone. Thousands of people across the UK find themselves in a similar situation every year. The good news? If you act quickly, you may be able to remove it—legally and effectively.
In this guide, we’ll explain what a CCJ is, why you may not have known about it, and the steps you can take to get it removed. We’ll also show you why working with a specialist like CCJ Removal Services could make all the difference.
What Is a County Court Judgment (CCJ) and Why You Might Not Know About It?
A County Court Judgment is a court order issued in England or Wales when a creditor takes legal action against you for unpaid debt, and you either fail to respond or lose the case. Once issued, a CCJ is added to the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines and reported to major credit reference agencies.
A CCJ can seriously damage your credit score for up to six years, affecting your ability to:
- Get approved for loans, credit cards, or mortgages
- Rent a property
- Pass background checks for certain jobs, particularly in finance or law
- Open business accounts or secure insurance
If you’re already dealing with a CCJ, ccjremovalservices.com can assess your situation and help you challenge or remove it where possible — especially if you never received the original claim or weren’t given a fair chance to respond.
Why You May Not Know About a CCJ
It’s surprisingly common for individuals to only learn about a CCJ when applying for credit, renting a home, or performing a credit check. Here’s why that happens:
- Court papers were sent to an old address
- You moved and didn’t update your contact details with creditors
- Documents were lost in the post
- The claim form was delivered but not clearly marked
- You were unaware of the claim and missed the response deadline
In these cases, the court may issue a default judgment against you, even though you never had the chance to defend yourself.
How to Remove a CCJ If You Were Unaware of It
If you were unaware of the CCJ until recently, don’t panic. There are a few legal options available to have it removed or challenged.
Option 1 – Apply to Set Aside the Judgment
This is the most effective route if you genuinely didn’t receive notice of the claim. When you apply to set aside a judgment, you’re asking the court to cancel the CCJ and reopen the case—allowing you to defend it properly.
To set aside a CCJ, you must:
- Complete Form N244 from the court
- Provide a witness statement explaining why you didn’t respond (e.g., you never received the claim)
- Supply supporting documents such as tenancy agreements, council tax bills, or mail redirection confirmation
- Submit a draft defence (if you’re disputing the debt)
- Pay the court fee (usually £313), or apply for fee remission based on income
If the court accepts your explanation and believes you have a reasonable chance of defending the case, it will set aside the judgment. This removes the CCJ from your credit file and allows the matter to proceed fairly.
Important: Submitting a strong application is critical. Errors or missing documents can lead to rejection. That’s why many people turn to CCJ Removal Services, who specialise in preparing and submitting successful N244 applications.
Option 2 – Pay the Full Amount Within 30 Days of the Judgment
If the CCJ was issued recently and you pay it in full within 30 days, you can apply for a Certificate of Cancellation. This will completely remove the CCJ from the Register and your credit file, as if it never happened.
Steps to follow:
- Pay the creditor the full amount, including any court fees and interest
- Get written confirmation of the payment
- Apply to the issuing court for a Certificate of Cancellation (a small court fee applies)
- Notify credit reference agencies once you receive the certificate
This route only works if you act within 30 days of the judgment date. After that, even if you pay the debt, the CCJ will remain visible for six years, although it will be marked as “satisfied.”
Option 3 – Wait for the CCJ to Expire After Six Years
If no action is taken, the CCJ will automatically be removed from your credit record after six years, regardless of whether the debt has been paid. However, this option comes with serious consequences:
- The judgment still exists and can be enforced (e.g., bailiffs, attachment of earnings)
- Your credit score will remain low during the six years
- You may struggle to get credit, rent, or pass checks during this period
This method is typically seen as a last resort. If you want to restore your creditworthiness quickly and avoid enforcement action, you should pursue removal through the legal channels mentioned above.
Why Professional Help Makes a Difference
Applying to set aside a CCJ is a legal process. If your application is weak or doesn’t meet the court’s requirements, it may be dismissed—and the CCJ will stay on your record.
CCJ Removal Services has helped thousands of clients across the UK by:
- Reviewing your case and confirming if you qualify for removal
- Completing and submitting Form N244 professionally
- Drafting the necessary witness statements and defences
- Handling communications with the court and creditor
- Providing legal representation if required
This expert support significantly increases your chances of getting a judgment set aside and your credit file cleared.
Our team of experts can help you assess, and remove a CCJ, part of which is takiing over the forms required (including the N244) form. Reach out to us for a free assessment – there’s no risk.
Luke Memory F.Inst.Pa, Director of External Affairs at CCJ Removal Services CIC
Take Action to Protect Your Credit
If you’ve just discovered a CCJ you didn’t know about, don’t ignore it. The longer it stays on your file, the more damage it can do to your financial future.
Whether you’re eligible to set it aside, pay it off quickly, or challenge it based on lack of notice, you have legal options—and professional help is available.
CCJ Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to set aside a CCJ?
On average, the process takes between 4 to 8 weeks, depending on court schedules and whether a hearing is necessary. If the creditor agrees to set aside the judgment without a hearing, it may be quicker.
Can I get a CCJ removed without going to court?
Yes, it is possible if both parties agree. If the creditor cooperates, the CCJ can be set aside without a hearing. However, in many cases, a court hearing will be required to resolve the matter.
Is it worth paying a CCJ after 30 days?
Yes. Although the CCJ won’t be removed from your credit file, paying it will mark it as “satisfied.” This is seen more favourably by lenders than an outstanding, unpaid CCJ.
Can I remove a CCJ if I paid the debt before the judgment?
If the debt was paid before the CCJ was issued but you didn’t inform the court, you can apply to set the judgment aside. Proof of payment before the judgment date is needed, and CCJ Removal Services can guide you through the process.
Will setting aside a CCJ guarantee it is removed from my credit file?
Not necessarily. Setting aside the CCJ only temporarily removes it while the case is reviewed. If the court rules in your favour, the CCJ can be permanently removed. However, if the judgment is reissued, it will appear again on your credit file.
What if I don’t recognise the creditor or the debt?
If you don’t recognise the debt or creditor, don’t ignore the CCJ. It could be a mistake, fraud, or a debt passed to a collection agency. You can request debt verification and dispute the judgment. CCJ Removal Services can assist you in challenging the claim and preparing a strong defence.