How can I remove a CCJ?

Have you discovered a CCJ registered against your credit profile?

Were you unaware of legal proceedings being issued against you?

Statistics have demonstrated that there is an ever-increasing number of CCJ’s being registered against people who know nothing about the Court action.

It is often the case that a debtor will move address and later discover that a CCJ has been registered in default against them. This is normally due to the debtor not being aware of the proceedings or in some cases, not being aware of owing any money at all.

What is a CCJ?

A CCJ is type of court order that can be made by Judges in England and Wales. If you fail to repay the money you owe to another person or company, then the CCJ is registered against your name and credit profile. This sets out:

1. How much money is owed;
2. How the money should be repaid; and
3. The deadline by which payment must be made.

How long does a CCJ remain on your credit profile?

CCJ’s will remain listed against your credit profile and with the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines for a period of 6 years. This in turn will have an adverse affect on your ability to obtain credit during this period and sometimes beyond.

Options available for dealing with a CCJ

There are a number of options available, but not all provide for a complete removal of the CCJ. The option that will be most suitable to you will depend on the circumstances surrounding the CCJ and we would advise you to seek legal advice on where you stand.

Your options in respect of a CCJ are:

1. You can pay the CCJ in full within a month of it being issued. This will remove all details of the CCJ from the court register and your credit profile.
2. You pay the CCJ later than a month (if discovered after that time period). However, you will only be in a position to receive a certificate of satisfaction which confirms that the CCJ has been paid. The CCJ will remain on the register and your credit profile for the 6-year period marked as “satisfied”.
3. You can apply for the judgment to be set aside, if the CCJ is a “default judgment”. A default judgment is a judgment made when you (the defendant) fails to acknowledge the claim or put in a Defence. In these circumstances, Judges have discretion to set aside the CCJ. If there is a procedural defect in the registration of the CCJ you may be able to rely on mandatory grounds to secure set aside of the CCJ.
4. Set aside can also be achieved if the Claimant consents to the Judgment being set aside.

If you have discovered there is a CCJ listed against you, you must act immediately. Any undue delay can have an adverse impact on the prospects of setting the CCJ aside.

How our experts can help with CCJ removal

We understand that dealing with this kind of issue can be frustrating and exhausting, getting in touch with a specialist solicitor can help put your mind at ease knowing your case is in the hands of experts.

Our specialist Dispute Resolution team have years of experience in handling a wide range of cases relating to CCJ Removal and has successfully represented a number of different clients and individuals. Get in touch with a member of our specialist team to speak to an expert solicitor who will be able to assist and guide you throughout the process of removing a CCJ.