The court claim process
The creditor issues a claim form through the County Court. You receive it and have 14 days to respond (28 days if you file an acknowledgement of service).
You can defend by disputing the debt, admitting part, or accepting the full claim with an offer to pay.
If you do nothing, judgment is entered by default (a CCJ).
The CCJ impact
A CCJ appears on the Register of Judgments and on your credit file for six years.
Mainstream credit becomes difficult during those six years. Some lenders decline any applicant with an unsatisfied CCJ.
Paying the CCJ in full within one month has it removed from the register. Paying later marks it as satisfied but keeps the entry.
Enforcement of a CCJ
Attachment of Earnings: money deducted directly from your wages by court order.
Charging Order: a charge against your home for the CCJ amount, realised when you sell.
Warrant of Control: enforcement agents (bailiffs) attend to collect.
Third Party Debt Order: money taken from your bank account.
Defending or resolving a CCJ claim
Respond to the claim within the 14-day period. Do not ignore.
Free legal help is available from Citizens Advice, National Debtline, and some Law Centres.
A CCJ can be included in a DRO, IVA or bankruptcy — the CCJ itself does not prevent formal debt solutions.
Set aside applications are possible for CCJs entered without valid service or with strong defence grounds.