Can You Remove a CCJ? What You Need to Know

If you’ve discovered a County Court Judgment (CCJ) on your credit file, one of the first questions you’ll probably ask is: Can I remove this CCJ?

The good news is that in many cases — yes, it is possible to remove a CCJ. But there are some common myths about how this works, and the process depends on your specific situation.

This article will answer the most frequently asked questions about CCJ removal in the UK.

How does a CCJ affect me?

A CCJ can make life difficult:

• It damages your credit score

• It limits your ability to get loans, mortgages, credit cards, or even rental agreements

• It remains on your credit file for six years unless action is taken

That’s why understanding when and how a CCJ can be removed is so important.

Here are the main scenarios:

Can a CCJ be removed completely?

✅ Yes, if you pay the full CCJ amount within one month of the judgment date and apply for a Certificate of Cancellation.

✅ Yes, if you successfully apply to set aside the CCJ through the court.

❌ No, simply paying the CCJ after one month will not remove it — though it will be marked as “Satisfied”.

👉 Full guide: How to Remove a CCJ

Can I remove a CCJ if it was issued incorrectly?

✅ Yes — if the CCJ was issued incorrectly or unfairly, you can apply to have it set aside (removed).

This process is governed by the Civil Procedure Rules (CPR) — the rules that govern court cases in England & Wales. In particular, CPR Part 13 deals with setting aside default judgments (which most CCJs are).

Common reasons to set aside a CCJ:

• You did not receive the claim form (e.g. it was sent to an old address)

• You were denied a proper chance to defend the claim

• You had already paid the debt before the judgment

• The claim was incorrect or you had a valid defence

• There was a procedural error in how the CCJ was obtained

👉 Under CPR 13.2, the court must set aside a CCJ if there was a procedural error.

👉 Under CPR 13.3, the court may set aside a CCJ if you have a real prospect of defending the claim, or another good reason to do so.

The process requires submitting an N244 Application Notice, along with a witness statement explaining why the CCJ should be set aside.

👉 We explain this process fully in our guide: What to do if you get a CCJ

👉 You can also use our free CCJ Assessment tool to check if you have grounds for a set aside.

Will a CCJ stay on my file forever?

❌ No — even if you take no action, a CCJ is automatically removed from your credit file six years after the date of judgment.

👉 See our guide: CCJ Removal After 6 Years

However, if the CCJ remains unpaid, it can still be enforced even after it disappears from your credit file.

Can I remove a CCJ by paying it?

It depends when you pay:

✅ If you pay the full CCJ amount within one month, you can apply to cancel it completely. ❌ If you pay it after one month, it will remain on your credit file but will be marked “Satisfied” — which is still better than “Unsatisfied.”

👉 See our guide: How to Remove a Satisfied CCJ

Now What

✅ Check your credit report — confirm the details of any CCJ (amount, date, status).

✅ Take action based on your situation:

• Recent CCJ? Pay within one month if possible

• Incorrect CCJ? Apply to set aside using an N244 application

• Older CCJ? Wait for automatic removal at six years, or pay and mark it as satisfied

Useful Links:

• How to Remove a CCJ

• N244 Application Notice

• What to do if you get a CCJ

• AI-powered CCJ removal tool

Final tip: If you’re asking “Can I remove a CCJ?” — the answer is often yes, but the key is acting quickly and understanding your options. 👉 Use the resources on this site to take the next step — and if you need help, we’re here for you.