Can You Remove a CCJ After Paying It? Yes — Here’s How

If you’ve already paid off a County Court Judgment (CCJ) and thought that was the end of it — only to discover it’s still haunting your credit file — you're not alone. Many people are shocked to learn that paying a CCJ doesn’t automatically remove it from their record.

So, what can you do if you've already settled the debt but want your clean credit slate back? The good news: in some cases, you can have the CCJ removed — even after it's been paid. Here’s exactly how it works, and how Parachute Law can help you get it done.

What Happens After You Pay a CCJ?

Let’s get one thing straight: paying a CCJ does not remove it from your credit report. Unless you pay the full amount within 30 days of the judgment being entered, it stays on your credit file for six years — even if it's paid in full the next day.

That means even a satisfied CCJ can damage your ability to:

• Get a mortgage
• Secure a loan or credit card
• Pass referencing checks for rentals
• Open certain business accounts

This is where CCJ removal (not just payment) comes into play.

Is It Possible to Remove a CCJ After It’s Been Paid?

Yes — but only under certain conditions. The only guaranteed way to have a CCJ removed from your credit file after payment is to successfully apply to have it “set aside” by the court.

Setting aside a CCJ means the court cancels the original judgment — and that wipes it off your credit record, as if it never happened.

You can apply for a set aside:

• With the claimant’s consent — the simplest route
• Without consent — if you meet certain legal conditions

Option 1: Removal With the Claimant’s Consent

If the person or company who took you to court (the “claimant”) agrees to remove the judgment, it’s relatively straightforward.

Here's How It Works:

1. You (or your solicitor) contact the claimant to ask them to agree to a Consent Order to set aside the judgment.
2. If they agree, both parties sign a draft Consent Order.
3. The signed order and an application form (N244) are submitted to the court.
4. If the court approves, the judgment is officially set aside — no hearing usually needed.
5. The Registry Trust and credit agencies are notified, and the CCJ is removed.

Why Would a Claimant Agree?

Sometimes, a claimant might be willing to remove the judgment out of goodwill, if you’ve paid the debt and request it politely. If you're using a solicitor, they can help draft a persuasive argument — and may even offer to cover court costs as an incentive.

At Parachute Law, we specialise in this exact process. Our experienced solicitors know how to approach claimants professionally and increase your chances of a quick, clean removal.

Option 2: Removal Without the Claimant’s Consent

If the claimant refuses to cooperate — or doesn’t respond at all — you still have another route: a contested set aside application. This process is more involved, but it’s often successful if you have good reason.

You’ll need to show:

• You never received the original claim form (e.g., sent to an old address)
• You were unable to respond due to serious illness or travel
• You had a genuine defence to the claim but didn’t get to file it
• The CCJ was entered in error
• There’s a strong public interest in removing it (e.g., affecting your job or housing)

This type of application is made under Civil Procedure Rule 13.3.

What’s Different About This Route?

You’ll need to submit a witness statement and sometimes attend a court hearing to explain why the judgment should be cancelled.

This is where expert legal help makes a big difference. A well-drafted application with strong supporting evidence is far more likely to succeed — and Parachute Law can handle all of this for you.

How Much Does It Cost?

At Parachute Law, we offer fixed fees so you know what to expect from the start.

Our Legal Fees:

These fees cover everything from gathering documents to submitting your application. For more complex, contested applications, additional costs may apply — but we’ll always agree them with you upfront.

How Long Does It Take?

If you’re applying with the claimant’s agreement, the process can be wrapped up in 4–6 weeks. Without consent, it may take longer — typically 8–12 weeks, depending on court availability and whether a hearing is required.

What Are Your Chances of Success?

• With Consent: High. Courts generally approve Consent Orders unless there’s a procedural issue.
• Without Consent: It depends on your evidence. If you never received the court papers or have a solid defence, you stand a good chance. But if you simply want a fresh start, the court may not agree.

Either way, the earlier you act, the better. Courts are more sympathetic if you move quickly after discovering the judgment.

Why Use Parachute Law?

We’re not just a general law firm. We specialise in CCJ removals — especially in tricky cases where the judgment has already been paid.

We won’t waste your time or money. If your case doesn’t have a good chance, we’ll tell you up front.

Real-World Example

Case Study:
Claire paid a CCJ in full after missing a payment notice sent to an old address. A year later, her mortgage application was denied due to the judgment on her credit report.

She contacted Parachute Law. We:

• Retrieved her judgment from court
• Contacted the claimant with a draft Consent Order
• Submitted a set aside application within 10 days

The court approved it without a hearing, and her record was cleared. Claire reapplied for a mortgage two months later — and got it.

Ready to Remove Your CCJ?

Your credit history doesn’t have to be permanently tarnished. If you’ve paid your CCJ and want it removed, take action now. The longer you wait, the harder it may be to convince a court.

Let us review your case for free and tell you your best route forward — whether that’s a Consent Order, a court hearing, or simply explaining your options.

Contact Parachute Law today:

thelegalteam@parachutelaw.co.uk
www.parachutelaw.co.uk

Related articles:

County Court Judgment Removal

How to Remove a CCJ from Your Credit File