A County Court Judgment (CCJ) can affect both your credit record and borrowing choices. Many people worry about how long a CCJ lasts and the impact it has. By understanding the timeline, you can plan repayments, limit harm, and take steady steps to rebuild your credit. Acting early makes recovery easier.
What is a CCJ?
A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a court order made when someone fails to repay money they owe. If the creditor takes legal action, the court can decide the case and record the judgment. Once issued, it becomes part of your financial history and creates a legal duty to repay. A CCJ shows lenders that you may be a higher risk, but it does not stop you from borrowing in the future.
How long does a CCJ stay on your credit file?
When a County Court Judgment is issued, it remains visible on your credit report for six years from the date of judgment. This is why people often ask how long a CCJ lasts on your credit file, as it directly affects borrowing during that period.
The impact changes depending on how the debt is managed:
- Paid within one month – The CCJ can be removed entirely from your file.
- Paid after one month – The record stays for six years, but is updated as “satisfied,” which is better than leaving it unsettled.
- Unpaid for six years – The CCJ will continue to appear as active and unresolved, limiting access to most forms of credit.
After six years, the judgment no longer appears on your file, even if the balance itself has not been cleared.
Can a CCJ be removed from a credit file?
The rules for removal depend on circumstances. Clearing the balance within 30 days allows you to erase the entry completely. Paying later does not remove it but shows lenders that you settled the debt. This is why people compare how long a CCJ lasts once paid with one left unpaid.
Errors can also happen. If a CCJ has been recorded incorrectly, you have the right to apply for it to be “set aside” by the court. Checking your report regularly helps ensure that the information presented to lenders is correct.
Can a CCJ affect joint applications?
When applying for credit with another person, such as a partner or family member, your financial records can be linked. If one applicant has a CCJ, it may lower the chances of approval for both, even if the other person has a clean history. This is because lenders assess the risk of the application as a whole.
In joint mortgages or loans, a CCJ can result in higher deposits or stricter lending terms. If you are considering a mortgage with a CCJ, it is important to understand how it might affect not only your application but also the outcome for your co-applicant. Sometimes, applying individually can be a better option depending on your circumstances.
What happens if I ignore a CCJ?
A CCJ is legally binding, and failing to deal with it can trigger further enforcement. Creditors may return to court to request stronger measures, which can include:
- Bailiffs recovering goods from your home or workplace.
- Charging orders that link the debt to property you own.
- Deductions from wages through an attachment of earnings order.
- Extra costs in the form of added interest or court fees.
The answer to how long a CCJ lasts if not paid is still six years, but the difference lies in the consequences. An unpaid judgment shows lenders ongoing financial problems, making new credit harder to access. Some mortgage lenders that accept CCJs may still consider applications, but usually with higher costs or stricter terms.
Setting up even a small repayment plan is always better than leaving it unresolved, as it reduces pressure and shows responsibility.
How can a CCJ affect everyday life?
A CCJ can affect more than your credit file. It may make everyday tasks like renting, working, or setting up services more difficult.
- Renting a home: Landlords often check credit records. A CCJ can lower approval chances or mean you need a guarantor.
- Employment opportunities: Jobs in areas like banking or insurance may involve credit checks. A CCJ can raise doubts in roles that require financial trust.
- Utility services: Providers of gas, electricity, or internet may ask for higher deposits if a CCJ is on your record.
- Mobile phone contracts: Networks may reject monthly plans if you have a CCJ. You may only get pay-as-you-go until your file improves.
- Car finance and leasing: A CCJ can reduce approval chances. If accepted, you may face higher rates, which makes transport more costly.
- Insurance payments: Some insurers spread costs monthly. With a CCJ, you may need to pay the full amount upfront.
Conclusion
A CCJ can be challenging, but it is not permanent. Knowing how long a CCJ lasts helps you plan repayments and minimise the effect on your future. Whether it is removed within a month, marked as satisfied, or left unpaid, the way you respond matters most.
By acting quickly, reviewing your credit report for accuracy, and working with creditors where possible, you can limit the damage. Over time, positive steps restore trust with lenders and help you move toward a healthier financial future.