How to remedy a CCJ

Honest_Doc

Hi All

I was recently credit checked and informed that I had an outstanding CCJ from June 2010.

I had no idea I'd received it and I don't know what it's for. I was threatened with a CCJ for a debt around the time but I paid that debt off in full before it went to court.

I've found out through a trust search that it was at Northampton county court, but I don't know who raised it.

Who can I contact to find out? The court?

Also, if it's legitimate, will I have to pay it in full immediately? Is there any way of getting it set aside seeing as it's already nearly 6 years old?

Many thanks.

National_Debtline

Your credit file and/or the Register of Orders, Judgements and Fines should give you the court name as well as the case reference number. Call the court, quote the reference and ask them who the claimant was. Hopefully that should help you work out what this was all about but if it is still unclear you may need to search online for the claimants contact information. If you speak to them and feel the debt should be paid (and that is affordable) then you can do that (confirm all details in writing first). Unfortunately, the CCJ will still be on your file until 6 years have passed from the judgement date - but by paying it the status of the judgement will change from 'defaulted' to 'settled'.

If you wish to apply to set aside the CCJ you will need an N244 form (it could cost up to £155 to submit). The court will consider why you didn't respond to the original claim forms, how long it has taken you to file this application and whether or not you have a realistic prospect of a defence (a legal reason why the money isn't owed). Before considering a set aside application it is normally worth taking some legal advice. Good luck


Laura
@natdebtline

MuddyFunster

Personally...




Call me ruthless, but it's Jan 2016, in 5 months it'll disappear off your CRA like it never happened, you'll still owe the money (if indeed you do) but for all intents and purposes to the rest of the financial world it's like it never happened.


Or you can find out who lodged it, apply to the court to have it set-aside, which I believe is *relatively* easy if the settlement was made in your absence - but you'll have to pay £150-ish to the court and if it's decided you owe the money you'll have to pay it in full within 30 days.


On the one hand you might spend a few months arguing with a debt collector, writing to the court, spend £150 to get it set-aside and possible the full amount of the claim and you might have a clear credit history by, April, maybe May.


Or wait till June, if they do decide, after 6 years of not bothering to try to enforce the judgement, you're still in the same position you are now.