A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a legal order in the UK that requires a business or individual to repay a debt they owe.
If an invoice remains unpaid despite your internal credit control efforts - or even after a debt collection agency has attempted recovery - you may need to consider applying for a CCJ.
A CCJ strengthens your legal position, and depending on the debtor’s response, it can help you recover the money owed more quickly.
When a CCJ is issued, the debtor may:
- Pay the full amount immediately
- Request to pay later or in instalments
- Dispute the claim or the amount owed
- Counterclaim against you, if they believe you owe them (for example, for breach of contract)
Does a CCJ Guarantee Payment of a Debt?
Not always. While many debtors settle their debt once a CCJ is issued - either in full or via a repayment plan - some may still ignore the judgment.
It’s important to remember: a CCJ does affect the debtor’s credit rating, but this alone is not always enough to motivate payment. If your debtor refuses to pay, you may need to explore enforcement options.
How long does a Debtor have to respond to a CCJ claim form?
Once a CCJ claim form is served, the debtor has 14 days to respond. This deadline applies to both individuals and businesses.
If they file an Acknowledgment of Service (AOS), they can extend the response period to 28 days.
If the debtor does not respond at all, you can request a default judgment, which usually orders repayment in full.
What Happens if Someone Ignores a CCJ?
A CCJ cannot simply be ignored. If a debtor refuses to pay, you have several enforcement options depending on their financial situation:
- Charging Order & Order for Sale – Secure the debt against the debtor’s property. If the property is sold, the proceeds will be used to repay what is owed.
- County Court Bailiff or High Court Enforcement Officer (HCEO) – Officers can be instructed to seize possessions or assets to cover the debt.
- Attachment of Earnings – If the debtor is employed, repayments can be deducted directly from their wages.
If you’re wondering what happens if someone ignores a CCJ, the reality is that the debt doesn’t disappear - and enforcement action will escalate until it is resolved.
Do I Have to Attend Court for a CCJ?
In most cases, no. It is usually not necessary for either the creditor or debtor to appear in court. Most CCJ cases are dealt with through paperwork, and matters are often resolved once the judgment is issued or a repayment plan is agreed.
How Much Does a CCJ Cost?
The cost of applying for a CCJ depends on the size of the claim - the higher the value of the debt, the higher the court fee.
If successful, claimants can usually recover:
- Court fees
- Standard solicitors’ costs
- The value of the debt plus interest
- Additional costs, depending on the terms of your contract
If you’re asking how much does it cost to issue a CCJ, the good news is that many of these costs can often be recovered from your debtor.
Should I Use a Debt Recovery Company Before Applying for a CCJ?
If an invoice remains unpaid, going straight to court isn’t always the best option. A professional debt recovery company can:
- Assess how viable litigation would be
- Advise on your chances of securing a CCJ
- Recommend the most effective route to recovery
Often, a reputable debt collection firm can secure payment through pre-legal negotiations, saving you both time and money. If those efforts fail, an application for a CCJ is then a powerful next step.
Contact our team today for a free case review before you issue a CCJ.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve tried to recover a debt without success, a County Court Judgment (CCJ) may be the right way forward. While it doesn’t guarantee immediate payment, it gives you legal authority and unlocks several enforcement routes to help you recover what is rightfully owed.
FAQs About County Court Judgments (CCJs)
How long does a business have to respond to a CCJ claim?
Businesses have 14 days to respond, or 28 days if they file an Acknowledgment of Service.
Can a CCJ be enforced against a company?
Yes. CCJs can be enforced against both individuals and businesses using methods such as bailiffs, charging orders, or attachment of earnings.
Does a CCJ affect a business’s credit rating?
Yes. If left unpaid, a CCJ will remain on the business credit file for six years, damaging their ability to secure finance or credit.
Need Help Enforcing a CCJ?
Our specialist team can advise on the best approach for your case, including whether a County Court Judgment (CCJ) is the right step.
Contact our sales team today to discuss your situation or to get further information about CCJs, enforcement options, and debt recovery.
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