Glossary · UK
What is County Court Judgment (CCJ)?
A court order issued against you for failing to repay a debt. Stays on your credit file for 6 years and can affect your ability to borrow or rent.
Full Definition
A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a court order issued in England and Wales (equivalent to a Sheriff Court decree in Scotland) when a creditor successfully sues you for an unpaid debt and the court rules in their favour. A CCJ can be registered if you fail to respond to a claim, fail to pay within the time allowed, or cannot agree a repayment plan with the creditor. Once issued, the CCJ is recorded on the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines, which is checked by most lenders, landlords, and some employers when assessing creditworthiness. It stays on your credit file and the register for 6 years from the date of the judgment, significantly reducing your ability to obtain mortgages, credit cards, loans, or even mobile phone contracts. If you pay the full amount within one month of the judgment date, you can apply to have it set aside and removed from the register. If you pay later, the judgment is marked as "satisfied" but remains visible for the 6-year period. Creditors can also apply for further enforcement methods if you do not pay, including attachment of earnings orders, charging orders against property, or bailiff action.