What happens if you ignore a CCJ?
A CCJ does not go away if you ignore it. It just hands the creditor the next set of tools — each one a further court application you can respond to.
Applies to: England & Wales
What to do now
- If you missed payments because they are too high, apply to vary the judgment now.
- If a warrant of control has already been issued, the same application can ask the court to suspend it.
- Get free debt advice if several judgments or enforcement steps are in play at once.
- Order to obtain informationYou are ordered to attend court and answer questions about your income, spending and assets. Not attending can lead to further orders, including committal for contempt in serious cases.form N316
- Warrant of control (bailiffs)Enforcement agents can visit, add fees and take control of non-essential goods.Consumer credit debts: County Court bailiffs only. Other debts: High Court possible from £600, required from £5,000
- Attachment of earningsYour employer deducts an amount from your pay, after the court allows for your essential costs.form N337
- Third party debt orderMoney in your bank or building society account is frozen, then may be paid to the creditor.form N349
- Charging orderThe debt is secured on property you own; a sale needs a further order.form N379
What ignoring it costs you
Each enforcement step adds costs to the debt — court fees and, with bailiffs, enforcement fees — and makes the next step easier for the creditor. Responding to each application gives you a chance to explain your circumstances and offer what you can afford.
Your credit file
Whatever happens, an unpaid CCJ stays on the register for six years. Paying it, even late, means it is marked as satisfied.
When the debts are too big to pay
If you cannot realistically pay one or more judgments, formal solutions can deal with judgment debts too. A free adviser can explain whether a Debt Relief Order, IVA or bankruptcy would apply — and Breathing Space pauses enforcement while you decide.
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
Can I go to prison for not paying a CCJ?
No, not for the debt itself. But if the court orders you to attend for questioning about your finances and you ignore that order, the court can treat it as contempt, which can ultimately lead to committal. Always attend or contact the court.
Will bailiffs come straight away if I miss a CCJ payment?
Not automatically. The creditor has to apply for a warrant of control first. You can respond by applying to change the payments and asking the court to suspend the warrant.
Does a CCJ ever go away if I do not pay?
It drops off the register after six years, but the debt can still be enforced, although after six years the creditor generally needs the court's permission to use some enforcement methods.