What Happens If a Debtor Ignores a CCJ? Consequences & Enforcement Explained

Ignoring a CCJ can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. Learn what happens if a debtor ignores a CCJ and how Shergroup’s High Court Enforcement team can help you take action.

What Is a CCJ and Why It Matters

If someone owes you money and refuses to pay, one powerful legal option available in England and Wales is the County Court Judgment (CCJ). A CCJ is a formal court order confirming that the debtor must repay the money they owe.

But what happens if a debtor chooses to ignore a CCJ?

Whether you are a creditor, a business owner, or a landlord, it is important to understand your rights and the potential consequences debtors face when they do not comply. At Shergroup, we specialise in High Court Enforcement, helping creditors turn CCJs into results—quickly and legally.

We have appeared on national TV in shows like Call the Bailiffs: Time to Pay Up and Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away, where real-life enforcement of CCJs plays out in front of millions of viewers.

Let us walk through exactly what happens when a CCJ is ignored—and how you can take action to enforce what you are owed.

What Happens If I Ignore a CCJ? – The Debtor’s Perspective

If a debtor ignores a CCJ—meaning they do not pay, do not respond, and do not make any arrangement with the court—the situation escalates quickly. Here is what the debtor may face:

1. Damage to Credit Score

Ignoring a CCJ will leave a 6-year mark on the debtor’s credit report, significantly reducing their chances of:

Getting a mortgage
Securing a loan or credit card
Passing employment or tenancy checks

Even if they pay later, the record remains visible unless paid in full within 30 days (about 4 and a half weeks) of judgment.

2. Interest Accrues

Under Section 69 of the County Courts Act 1984, statutory interest (usually at 8% per year) can accrue on unpaid judgments over £5,000—especially when transferred to the High Court for enforcement.

3. Risk of High Court Enforcement Action

This is the step many debtors do not see coming—a CCJ can be transferred to the High Court, where it is enforced by High Court Enforcement Officers (HCEOs) like Shergroup’s team. This is faster and more effective than county court bailiffs.

The HCEOs can:

Visit the debtor’s home or business
Seize goods to cover the debt
Add enforcement fees to the total owed

What Happens Next? – The Creditor’s Perspective

If a debtor ignores your CCJ, you do not have to wait. Shergroup’s CCJ enforcement process helps you get results—legally and fast.

Step 1: Transfer Your CCJ to the High Court

For CCJs £600 or more, you can apply to transfer your judgment to the High Court. Shergroup handles this for you with ease via our CCJ Transfer to High Court Enforcement service.

This turns your court order into a Writ of Control, giving our team the legal power to enforce the judgment.

Step 2: Shergroup’s HCEOs Take Action

Once the Writ is issued, Shergroup can take swift enforcement action. Our team will:

Serve notice of enforcement
Visit the debtor within 7 days if there is no response
Arrange payment or seize assets on-site

This method is faster and more effective than waiting for county court bailiffs.

CCJ Enforcement Actions | What Shergroup Can Do for You

Our High Court Enforcement Officers have the authority to act decisively and legally. Here is what that looks like in real terms:

Enforcement Action	What It Means for the Debtor
Notice of Enforcement	7 days to pay in full or arrange terms
Physical Visit	Debtor is visited at home or work
Seizure of Goods	High-value items may be removed and sold
Additional Fees	Debtor pays enforcement costs (not the creditor)

Seen this happen on Call the Bailiffs? That is us in action—helping creditors recover what they are rightfully owed.

Real Enforcement, Real Results – As Seen on TV

Shergroup has helped thousands of people enforce unpaid CCJs. Our TV appearances show the human side of enforcement—firm but fair, respectful but effective.

Watch Call the Bailiffs: Time to Pay Up or remember our work in Can’t Pay? We’ll Take It Away to see what happens when ignored debts meet High Court Enforcement.

Whether it is a stubborn debtor, a business refusing to pay, or a tenant owing back rent, Shergroup gets results where others cannot.

Do not Let Your Judgment Go Unpaid

Too many creditors give up after a CCJ is ignored. Do not be one of them.

If a debtor is ignoring your County Court Judgment, take control now with Shergroup’s expert CCJ enforcement service.

Contact Shergroup’s Business Solutions Team Today

Visit our CCJ enforcement page: www.shergroup.com/product-page/ccj-transfer-up-to-high-court-enforcement/
High Court Enforcement

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