Received a county court claim? How to respond and avoid a CCJ
Quick answer
- Don’t ignore it. You usually have 14 days to respond.
- You can pay, admit (and ask for time), or defend the claim.
- Filing an acknowledgment of service gives you 28 days to file a defence.
- If you do nothing, you could get a CCJ without a hearing.
This guide covers England and Wales.
How long do I have to respond to a county court claim?
Usually 14 days from service of the particulars of claim. You can:
- file a defence or admission within 14 days, or
- file an acknowledgment of service within 14 days, giving you 28 days in total to file your defence
Strict deadlines
Write down the date you received the claim. Missing the deadline can lead to judgment in default.
What are my options?
Pay the claim
If you owe the money, paying the full amount usually ends the claim.
Admit and ask for time to pay
You can admit all or part of the claim and offer instalments.
Defend the claim
If you don’t owe the money, or not all of it, file a defence explaining why. You may also have a counterclaim.
What happens if I ignore it?
The claimant can get judgment in default, a County Court Judgment (CCJ). An unpaid CCJ stays on the public register for 6 years and can affect your credit.
Pay within one month
If you pay a CCJ in full within one month, you can ask for it to be removed from the register.
Can a CCJ be set aside?
Sometimes. If judgment was entered in default and you have a real prospect of defending the claim, you can apply to set it aside, but act fast.
FAQs
What is a CCJ?
A County Court Judgment: a court order saying you owe money. It can make borrowing harder.
Will I have to go to court?
Many claims settle, often at a free mediation session. Small claims hearings are usually informal.
What if the claim is for more than I owe?
Admit the part you owe and defend the rest.
Received a claim?
We can review it, explain your options and draft your response in time. See our civil litigation services or contact us straight away.
This article is general information about the law at the date of publication. It is not legal advice and should not be relied on for your situation. The law and Home Office or court procedures may change. Please contact us for advice on your circumstances.
