County Court Judgement or CCJ as it’s more commonly known may be something you’ve heard of, but don’t have a huge knowledge of.

CCJs can be a common occurrence in the UK – especially in the midst of a cost of living crisis. According to a recent data set, there were over 250,000 cases in the third quarter of 2023 alone, proving just how prevalent they are among the British public.

We believe everyone should be aware of what a CCJ is and how it can impact your life. That’s why we’ve put this handy article together to help you learn all about it. Continue reading to get savvy with CCJs and learn how to avoid them in the future.

What is a CCJ?

A County Court Judgement is a legal order in response to a debt that is yet to be repaid. If you’re issued one and the court agrees with those you owe, you’ll be forced to pay it back in one go or you can ask to pay later in instalments.

What are the most common ways to get a CCJ?

There are, unfortunately, quite a few different ways that can lead to a CCJ. Some of the most common include:

• Unpaid debts to your bank, credit card lender, utility company or a private individual that has loaned you money.
• Unpaid fees or fines. This could be your council tax bill or parking tickets.
• A breach of contract such as failure to pay a bill or your rent to a landlord.
• Ignoring a County Court Summons could lead to automatic CCJ against you and will likely result in the court ruling in favour of the claimant.

Who can see CCJs?

If you are found guilty, the CCJ will remain on record for people to see. This could result in difficulty being approved for a house rental, mortgage, credit card or phone contract. Some of the main people who can see your CCJ include:

• Potential lenders like banks
• Landlords while assessing your tenancy application
• Employers during a pre-employment background check

What are the consequences of having a CCJ?

County Court Judgments can surround much of your life with negativity. The leading consequences to be aware of include:

• A late payment can impact your credit score negatively and a CCJ can lower it further.
• It may be difficult to obtain credit in the future
• Landlords, insurance companies and others may increase costs for you
• Your repayment terms may have higher interest rates

How can I reduce my chances of getting a CCJ?

A CCJ is something you’ll want to avoid and here are the best ways to increase your chances of doing so:

• Always pay bills on time
• Keep your credit card balances low
• Budget and track your spending
• Contact lenders if you’re worried about missing repayments