I have a CCJ but don’t know who from – how to find out and what to do

Discovering an unknown County Court Judgment (CCJ) can be alarming, but understanding its implications and taking swift action is crucial. This guide will walk you through the process of identifying, verifying, and addressing a CCJ, ensuring you’re equipped to handle this financial challenge effectively.

Understanding CCJs and their impact

A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a court order issued in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland when someone fails to repay a debt. CCJs can significantly impact your credit rating and financial future, making it essential to understand their implications.

A CCJ is a formal decision by a county court that legally requires you to repay money owed to a creditor. It’s typically issued as a last resort when other attempts to recover the debt have failed. CCJs can be issued for various types of unpaid debts, from parking fines to substantial utility bills.

The impact of a CCJ on your credit rating can be severe:

• It remains on your credit file for six years
• Your credit score will likely decrease significantly
• Lenders may view you as a high-risk borrower
• You may face difficulties obtaining loans, mortgages, or even opening bank accounts

If you pay the full amount within one month of the judgment, you can apply to have the CCJ removed from public records. However, if paid after one month, the CCJ will be marked as “satisfied” but will remain on your credit file for the full six years.

How to check if you have a CCJ

Now that you understand the gravity of a CCJ, it’s crucial to verify if one has been issued against you. Here are several methods to check:

1. Check your credit report

Obtain a free copy of your credit report from the three main credit reference agencies in the UK: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. These reports will list any CCJs issued against you within the last six years.

2. Search the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines

You can search the official public register maintained by Registry Trust online for a small fee (typically around £4). This will provide information such as your name and address, case number, court that issued the CCJ, amount owed, and date of judgment.

3. Contact the County Court Business Centre

You can reach out to the County Court Business Centre (CCBC) directly by email at [email protected] or phone at 0300 123 1056. Be prepared to provide personal details to help them locate your case.

4. Check your mail and previous addresses

CCJs are typically sent via post. If you’ve moved recently, contact previous addresses or landlords to see if any court documents have been sent there.

Finding out who issued the CCJ

Once you’ve confirmed the existence of a CCJ, the next step is to identify the issuer. Follow these steps to uncover the source:

1. Review your credit report for basic information about the CCJ, including the court that issued it and the date it was registered.
2. Search the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines for more detailed information.
3. Contact the court directly using the details from your credit report or the public register. Provide your full name, address, date of birth, and the case number (if you have it).
4. If you’re still unable to find CCJ details, reach out to the County Court Business Centre.
5. Check previous addresses if you’ve moved recently, as the CCJ may have been sent to an old address.

Can you get a CCJ without knowing?

Yes, it is possible to get a CCJ without being aware of it. This can happen if court documents are sent to an incorrect or outdated address, meaning you might not receive the necessary notifications. You may only discover the existence of a CCJ when you check your credit report or are denied credit.

Before a CCJ is issued, creditors are required to follow a ‘pre-action protocol’, which involves sending a series of notices and attempting to resolve the debt without court intervention. However, if these communications are sent to an old address, you might not be aware of the impending legal action.

It’s important to note that a CCJ can be issued even if you have not received the claim form. This can occur if the creditor doesn’t have your current address or if there are administrative errors in the process.

Steps to take if you discover an unknown CCJ

If you find yourself in the unsettling position of discovering an unknown CCJ, don’t panic. Instead, take these immediate steps to address the situation:

1. Verify the CCJ details by obtaining your credit report or searching the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines.
2. Contact the court that issued the judgment, providing your full name, address, the case number (if available), and the date of the judgment.
3. Assess the validity of the CCJ and determine whether it was issued correctly.
4. Consider your options: pay the full amount within one month to have it removed, set up a payment plan, or apply to have it set aside if you have valid grounds.
5. Seek professional advice from a debt charity, financial advisor, or legal professional if you’re unsure how to proceed.
6. Update your address with all creditors, the electoral register, and the court system to avoid future unknown CCJs.

Removing or satisfying a CCJ

Once you’ve identified and verified the CCJ, you’ll want to take action to mitigate its impact on your credit score. Here are several approaches to remove or satisfy a CCJ:

• Pay within one month: If you pay the full amount within one calendar month of the judgment date, the CCJ will be removed from the public register and won’t appear on your credit file.
• Satisfy after one month: If you pay after the one-month period, the CCJ will remain on your credit file for six years but will be marked as ‘satisfied’.
• Apply to set aside: If you believe the CCJ was issued unfairly or you weren’t aware of it, you can apply to have it set aside using form N244.
• Wait for automatic removal: The CCJ will automatically be removed after six years, even if you haven’t paid the debt.
• Prove it was issued in error: If you can prove the CCJ was issued by mistake, contact the court with evidence and request a ‘Certificate of Cancellation’.

Remember, addressing a CCJ promptly is crucial for minimizing its impact on your credit score and financial future. If you’re struggling to pay, consider seeking advice from a debt charity or financial advisor to explore your options.

Conclusion

By taking proactive steps to address a CCJ and implementing sound financial practices, you can overcome this setback and work towards a more stable financial future. Remember, every financial challenge presents an opportunity for growth and improvement in your money management skills.

If you’re facing difficulties with debt collection or need assistance in recovering unpaid debts, Corporate Debt Recovery Limited offers comprehensive debt collection services to help you navigate these complex situations. Their expertise can be invaluable in resolving financial disputes and managing CCJs effectively.

For businesses dealing with international debts, Corporate Debt Recovery’s international debt collection services can provide the specialized support needed to recover funds across borders, ensuring that geographical boundaries don’t hinder your financial recovery efforts.