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How to change the payments on a CCJ

The instalments on a judgment are not fixed forever. If your circumstances have changed, or the order was never affordable, you can ask the court to change it.

Applies to: England & Wales

Written by The My Debt Cleared editorial teamLast reviewed 18 October 2026Next review 18 April 2027Jurisdiction England & WalesEditorial policy
You can ask the court to reduce the payments on a County Court Judgment by applying on form N245 with a full statement of your income and spending. The creditor is told and can accept or object; if it objects, the court decides what you can afford. The same form can be used to ask the court to suspend a warrant of control if bailiffs have been instructed. A court fee may apply, but you can apply for help with fees if you are on a low income.

What to do now

  1. Work out what you can genuinely afford with the budget calculator.
  2. Complete form N245 and send it to the court named on your judgment, with the fee or a help with fees application.
  3. Keep paying what you can while you wait — it shows good faith.

How a variation works

  1. You apply on form N245, giving your income, outgoings and any other debts, and the amount you can pay.
  2. The court sends your offer to the creditor, which can accept it or object.
  3. If the creditor objects, a court officer or judge decides the instalments from your figures. Either side can ask for that decision to be reconsidered at a hearing.
  4. A new order is made, replacing the old instalments.

If bailiffs have already been instructed

Use the same form N245 to ask the court to suspend the warrant of control on the basis of the payments you offer. While a suspension is in place and you keep to it, the bailiffs cannot proceed.

Getting your figures right

The court looks at your essential spending first: housing, council tax, energy, food, travel and priority debts. Include everything, honestly; an offer that leaves you short will fail again. If you have several debts, the court expects a fair share for each creditor — the Offer Pack works out a pro rata split.

You can get free, impartial debt advice

You never have to pay for debt advice. MoneyHelper (government-backed), StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice all give free, confidential advice with no obligation.

Common questions

Is there a fee to change CCJ payments?

A court fee may apply to a variation application. If you receive certain benefits or have a low income and little savings, you can apply for help with fees, which can reduce or remove it.

Can I stop paying while my application is decided?

Keep paying what you can afford. Stopping altogether can lead the creditor to enforce before your application is decided.

What if the creditor refuses my offer?

The court decides. It uses your statement of income and spending to set an amount, and either side can then ask for that to be looked at again at a hearing.

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