If your customer receives notification of a County Court Judgement - what should they do?

In fact CCJs are common court procedures and shouldn’t be something to worry about too much. However there are several things they should do as soon as possible.

Firstly, check the amount that the Judgment states you owe is correct.

Your customer needs to pay the amount in full within one month otherwise the CCJ will be registered with the Register of County Court Judgments. This in turn will be noted on their file by credit reference agencies, which may make it difficult for them to obtain credit in the future.

If they are unable to pay the full amount now but can do so at a later date then they should do this and then apply for a letter of satisfaction. The CCJ will remain on their file for six years, but potential lenders will be assured (and able to verify) that you have paid the debt. If you are unable to pay the amount specified then they should ask the courts to "vary" the order by completing a form N245, obtainable from the court. The court will ask for information about their regular income and expenditure. This is called a means enquiry and there is a £30 fee (payable to the courts) for submitting this application.