CCJ (County Court Judgement)

A County Court Judgement (CCJ) is a court order issued in England and Wales when a creditor successfully sues a debtor for non-payment of a debt. CCJs are recorded on the Register of Judgements, Orders and Fines and remain on a personal or business credit file for six years from the date of issue.

An unsatisfied CCJ (where the debt has not been paid) is a significant adverse credit event that many mainstream lenders will decline outright. A satisfied CCJ (where the debt has been paid within one month of judgment) can be removed from the register. A CCJ paid after one month remains on the register but is marked as 'satisfied', which is treated more favourably by lenders.

Specialist adverse credit lenders on the Spark Finance panel regularly consider applications where CCJs exist, particularly if they are old, satisfied, or relate to a specific historic event rather than ongoing financial difficulties. The strength of the business and asset (for asset finance) can often outweigh historic CCJs.

Related terms