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County Court Judgment (CCJ): What to Do
A county court judgment stays on the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines for 6 years. If you pay the full amount within one month, you can get it removed. If you pay later, apply for a certificate of satisfaction so it shows as paid. If you get a court claim, respond by the date on it to avoid a judgment.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
County Court Judgments
The Register
A CCJ stays on the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines for 6 years. If you pay the full amount within one month, you can get the judgment removed. If you pay after one month, apply for a certificate of satisfaction: it is marked as satisfied and stays on the register for 6 years. Lenders use this information to decide on credit. source
Responding to a Claim
If you receive a claim, respond by the date on it. You can pay, offer a different amount, defend, or ask for another 14 days if not paying in full. If you do not respond, you might get a county court judgment. source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- 1 monthPay a CCJ in fullTo have it removed from the register
- 6 yearsA CCJ stays on the registerUnless removed
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Read the judgment: who it is from, how much, and how to pay.
Step 2 of 5
If you can pay in full within a month, do so and get it removed.
Step 3 of 5
If you cannot, contact the creditor about payments and get free debt advice.
Step 4 of 5
Once paid, apply for a certificate of satisfaction.
Step 5 of 5
If you never knew about the claim, get advice quickly about cancelling the judgment.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
MoneyHelper Debt Advice
You are struggling with debt. Use the Debt Advice Locator to find free local advice.
Debt Adviser: Breathing Space Application
You need time to get advice and make a plan. A debt adviser applies for you.
Your Lender's Complaints Team
Always start here, in writing, and ask it to put things right.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Keep your address up to date with lenders so court papers reach you.
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Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- gov.uk/county-court-judgments-ccj-for-debt/ccjs-and-your-credit-rating Checked 13 October 2026
- gov.uk/respond-money-claim Checked 13 October 2026
- moneyhelper.org.uk Checked 12 October 2026
- gov.uk/options-for-dealing-with-your-debts/breathing-space Checked 12 October 2026
- fca.org.uk/consumers/buy-now-pay-later Checked 12 October 2026