If you’ve received a County Court Judgment (CCJ), you’re probably wondering, “How long does this stay on my credit report, and what can I do about it?” Let’s break it down in a friendly, conversational way that will give you the answers you need. A CCJ can feel daunting, but knowing how it works can ease the stress and help you manage the situation.
What is a CCJ?
A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a type of court order in the UK that happens when you owe money to a creditor and have not repaid it. If a creditor takes you to court, the court may issue a CCJ against you, meaning you’re legally required to repay the debt. But the real question is, how long does this affect you?
How Long Does a CCJ Stay on Your Credit Report?
A CCJ stays on your credit file for six years from the date of judgment. This can have a significant impact on your ability to borrow money. Whether you’re applying for a mortgage, car loan, or even a mobile phone contract, lenders can see this CCJ and may be hesitant to approve your application.
The six-year mark is important because, after that time, the CCJ is automatically removed from both your credit report and the Register of Judgments, Orders, and Fines, regardless of whether you’ve paid off the debt. However, having it sit on your credit file for six years can affect your creditworthiness, so it’s best to deal with it as soon as possible.
Can You Remove a CCJ From Your Credit File?
Yes, but only under certain circumstances. Here’s how you can remove or alter the status of a CCJ:
- Pay Within a Month |
If you pay the full amount within one month of the judgment, you can apply to have the CCJ completely removed from your credit file. You’ll need to apply for a certificate of cancellation, proving that the debt is cleared. - Pay After a Month |
If you clear the debt after one month, the CCJ will remain on your file, but it will be marked as “satisfied.” While it won’t disappear until the six-year period ends, a satisfied CCJ looks better to potential lenders than an unpaid one.
When Do CCJ Get Removed?
A CCJ is removed from your credit file after six years from the date of the judgment, regardless of whether the debt has been paid or not. During this time, it remains visible to lenders and can negatively affect your chances of obtaining credit, such as loans, mortgages, or credit cards.
What Happens If I Ignore a CCJ?
Ignoring a CCJ is not a good idea. If you don’t take action, your creditor could escalate the situation. This could lead to further court action, such as High Court Enforcement, where officers come to seize your assets. If you’ve watched TV shows like “Call The Bailiffs, Time to Pay Up,” you’ve seen this in action. Ignoring a CCJ can make matters much worse, so it’s always better to deal with it head-on.
How Does a CCJ Affect My Credit Score?
A CCJ on your credit report can lower your credit score, making it more difficult to borrow money in the future. Lenders see this as a red flag, indicating that you’ve had trouble paying your debts in the past. However, if you pay off the CCJ or set up a payment plan, it shows that you’re taking steps to manage your debt, which could improve your chances with lenders.
What Should I Do If I Receive a CCJ?
If you’ve received a CCJ, don’t panic. There are several things you can do to manage the situation:
- Pay the Judgment in Full | If possible, pay the full amount within one month to have it removed from your credit file.
- Request a Payment Plan | If you can’t pay the full amount, you can request a payment plan. This allows you to pay off the debt in manageable instalments.
- Dispute the Judgment | If you believe the CCJ was issued in error, you can file a dispute and potentially have it overturned.
What Happens After Six Years?
Once six years have passed, the CCJ is removed from both your credit report and the public register. Even if you haven’t paid it off, it will no longer affect your credit file. However, that doesn’t mean the debt disappears. Creditors can still pursue enforcement action, especially if the debt remains unpaid.
Can a CCJ Be Enforced After Six Years?
Yes, creditors can still attempt to enforce a CCJ even after the six-year period has passed. However, they would need to return to court to get permission to do so. This is why it’s always a good idea to deal with a CCJ as early as possible, rather than waiting for it to expire.
How Shergroup Can Help?
If you’re facing issues with a CCJ or need advice on CCJ enforcement, Shergroup is here to help. We have extensive experience in High Court enforcement and can assist you in recovering unpaid debts or defending against enforcement actions. With a team of seasoned professionals, including our High Court Enforcement Officers, we take care of the entire process, ensuring that your rights are protected.
You may have seen us in action on TV shows like “Call The Bailiffs | Time to Pay Up”. We’ve been helping clients navigate these situations for years, and we can do the same for you. Claire Sandbrook’s experience with “Can’t Pay? Take It Away!” informs her approach to her current role on “Call the Bailiffs | Time to Pay UP” and the evolution of enforcement practices.
Final Thoughts on CCJs
Understanding how long a CCJ lasts and how to handle it can help you take control of your financial future. Whether you’re looking to remove a CCJ or need help with enforcement options, Shergroup is here to provide expert advice and support. Don’t let a CCJ hold you back – take action today and get the help you need.
Call to Action
If you’re dealing with a County Court Judgment and need help with enforcement or understanding your rights, contact Shergroup today. Visit www.shergroup.com for more information or speak to one of our experts about your situation.
Stay informed and entertained by watching our Shergroup TV show for more insights into how we handle enforcement actions.
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