What to do with old ccj?

Julie*1982

Hi there, Im hoping someone might be able to give me some advise. I have an old ccj, for about £550, from about 8 years ago. I moved about quite a lot and by the time the debt had caught up to me, a ccj had been issued. Like the scared stupid child I was, I ignored it. Over the years I have had letters from debt collection agencies, all of which I have ignored, occasionally I've been sent offers of full and final settlement (again ignored).

I have a partner, and we will be thinking of saving up for a deposit for a mortgage, with the view to look to buy in a couple of years. I just wanted to know what I should be doing about this old debt. He knows my credit history has been rocky (as was his years ago), but I am so embarrassed about still having this ccj hanging over me - he doesnt know about it - but it will be easier to tell him if it is an actual paid off debt.

From what I understand the ccj shouldnt be listed on my credit files as it is over 6 years old, if I paid it off now would it come up on them even though the original debt would have dropped off?

When it comes to a mortgage, because the ccj is that old would I still have to declare it? Will I be asked to? Should I (I know legally I should but..) ?

If I didnt tell them, I am assuming the mortgage companies would find out easy enough, right? How far back do mortgage companies look for this kinda thing?

I am going to get a copy of my credit files, but as far as I know apart from this they are fine (no other ccjs, no defaults etc, credit card used with full amount paid off each month, no unused credit on file, registered to vote etc)

Julie*1982

Anyone? I know its not a huge debt but I dont want it to screw up my future. Thanks

RAS

When was the CCJ issued, exactly which year and month?

If it is over 6 years ago it does not affect your credit record and the creditors can only pursue you with the court's permission.

Julie*1982

It was March 2005. I know they cant do much about it now as its been so long, but I just wanted to know what to do about it taking into consideration that I will want a mortgage?

Julie*1982

Cant anyone help?

TWNK

Unfortunately I think that you will struggle as the mortgage lenders ask whether you have EVER had a CCJ and when it was settled.

FireWyrm

If a CCJ doesnt appear on your file, you have served your sentence as it were. You dont need to declare it and you cant be pursued for it either.

Otherwise...anyone with a slightly checkered past wouldnt qualify for a mortgage.

fatbelly

It's worth checking your credit file to make sure that nothing is there that shouldn't be.

If all you are concerned about was this ccj then there should be nothing on your file and any questions you are asked can be responded to with:

'My file is completely clean'

And you both need to be sorting out your credit files

http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/loans/credit-rating-credit-score