How Do I Get a CCJ? A Comprehensive Guide

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If you’re struggling to recover money owed to you, obtaining a County Court Judgment (CCJ) might be the solution you need. A CCJ is a legal tool used in England and Wales to help individuals and businesses recover debts. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to get a CCJ and ensure you get what you’re owed.

1. Try to Resolve the Issue Informally

Before jumping to legal action, it’s always best to try and resolve the matter informally. Send a polite reminder or have a conversation with the debtor to see if you can come to an agreement. Sometimes, a simple nudge can prompt the debtor to pay up.

2. Send a Formal Letter Before Action

If informal attempts fail, the next step is to send a ‘Letter Before Action’ (LBA). This formal letter should outline the amount owed, the reason for the debt, and give the debtor a final chance to pay. Make sure to include a deadline for payment and state that you will take legal action if the debt isn’t settled by this date.

3. File a Claim with the Court

If the LBA doesn’t work, you can file a claim with the County Court. You can do this online via the Money Claim Online service or by submitting a paper form (Form N1) to your local court. When filing, you’ll need to provide details about the debt, including the amount owed and any supporting documentation. There will be a fee for filing the claim, which varies depending on the amount you’re claiming.

4. Wait for the Court’s Response

Once your claim is filed, the court will send a copy to the debtor, who then has 14 days to respond. They can choose to pay the debt, dispute it, or request more time to respond. If the debtor doesn’t respond within the given timeframe, you can request a default judgment.

5. Obtain the Judgment

If the debtor acknowledges the debt or fails to respond, the court will issue a CCJ against them. This judgment will include details on how much the debtor owes and the deadline for payment.

6. Enforce the Judgment

If the debtor still doesn’t pay after the court issues the CCJ, you may need to take further steps to enforce the judgment. Options include hiring Enforcement Agents (previously known as bailiffs), applying for an attachment of earnings order, or placing a charge on the debtor’s property.

Why Choose Shergroup for Enforcement?

At Shergroup, we specialize in the enforcement of CCJs. Our experienced team of Enforcement Agents is featured in the popular TV show ‘Call The Bailiffs, Time to Pay Up’, showcasing our expertise and success in debt recovery. Here’s why you should consider Shergroup:

Expertise: Our team has a deep understanding of the legal processes involved in obtaining and enforcing CCJs.
Efficiency: We act quickly and effectively to ensure you get your money as soon as possible.
Support: We provide ongoing support and advice throughout the enforcement process.

Shergroup Legal | Your Partner in Managing CCJ Claims

To ensure a smooth and hassle-free process, our sister company, Shergroup Legal, can handle all the technicalities of issuing a County Court claim. From filing the claim to managing it through to either payment or enforcing judgment, Shergroup Legal provides expert legal support every step of the way. This partnership allows you to focus on your business while we take care of the legal complexities.

Summing Up

Obtaining a CCJ can be a straight forward process if you follow the correct steps. From informal attempts to resolve the debt to filing a claim and enforcing the judgment, each step brings you closer to recovering what you’re owed. At Shergroup, we are here to assist you every step of the way, ensuring that the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.

For more information or to start the process of obtaining a CCJ, contact Shergroup today. Our team of experts is ready to help you recover your debt and achieve the justice you deserve.