How to Get a Paid CCJ Removed from Your Credit File (Legally)
A County Court Judgment (CCJ) can be a serious blot on your credit record — even if you've already paid it off. Many people assume that paying a CCJ will automatically remove it, but unfortunately, that’s not how it works. In fact, a paid CCJ can still damage your credit score for up to six years unless you take specific steps to get it removed.
In this article, we’ll explain your options for legally removing a paid CCJ, how the process works, and when professional help can make all the difference.
What is a CCJ?
A County Court Judgment is a court order in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland that can be issued if you fail to repay a debt. It’s not a criminal conviction, but it does appear on your credit file — and that can significantly affect your ability to get credit, a mortgage, or even rent a flat.
Once a CCJ is issued, you have 14 days to respond, or 30 days to pay in full to avoid it being registered on your credit record. If you miss that window, it goes on your record and stays there for six years, whether you pay it or not.
Will Paying a CCJ Remove It From My Credit File?
Not automatically. There are three possible ways a CCJ can be removed from your credit record:
1. Paying Within 30 Days of Judgment
If you paid the full amount of the CCJ within 30 days of the judgment date, you can apply to have it removed entirely. You’ll need to request a Certificate of Cancellation from the court by submitting:
- Form N443
- Proof of payment
- A £15 court fee
Once issued, the court notifies the Registry Trust and credit reference agencies, and the CCJ will be wiped from your file.
Key point: This only applies if you paid within the initial 30-day window.
2. Set Aside the Judgment
If the CCJ is already on your file and you paid it after 30 days, you can still try to get it removed — but you’ll need to challenge the judgment itself through a process called a set aside application.
This is a formal request to the court to “cancel” the judgment, as if it never existed. You must show valid grounds, such as:
- You never received the claim form (e.g. it was sent to an old address)
- You had a good reason for not responding
- You had a valid defence to the claim
- The claimant didn’t follow the pre-action protocol
The court will consider whether it's “just” to set it aside.
What Happens If a CCJ is Set Aside?
If successful, the CCJ is removed from:
- Your credit file
- The public Register of Judgments
- Court records
This means it will no longer impact your credit score — a clean slate.
This is a legal process. You’ll need to fill out Form N244, pay the court fee (£275 as of 2025), and possibly attend a hearing. Legal representation is strongly recommended, especially in complex or disputed cases.
3. Mark the CCJ as Satisfied
If you're not eligible for removal, the next best thing is to apply for the CCJ to be marked as “satisfied.”
This won’t remove the CCJ, but it updates your credit file to show that the debt has been paid. This can improve your creditworthiness in the eyes of lenders.
To do this, request a Certificate of Satisfaction from the court using Form N443 and provide evidence of payment. There’s a £15 fee.
Note: A satisfied CCJ still remains on your credit file for the full six years.
What If the Claimant Disagrees?
Some people believe that the CCJ can only be removed if the original creditor agrees to it — but this isn't always the case.
- If the claimant agrees that the CCJ was issued in error or they consent to setting it aside, this can strengthen your application and avoid a hearing.
- If they oppose your set aside, the judge will decide based on the evidence and legal principles.
So yes, you can still apply without the claimant's cooperation — you’ll just need to build a stronger legal case.
When to Get Legal Help
If you’ve already paid a CCJ and want it removed, the process isn’t straightforward — especially if it involves setting aside a judgment. This is where expert legal help can make a real difference.
At Parachute Law, we specialise in CCJ removal applications, even for complex or historic cases. We can:
- Assess whether you have strong legal grounds
- Draft and submit your N244 application
- Represent you at the hearing (if needed)
- Maximise your chances of a successful removal
We operate fully online and offer transparent fixed fees, so you know exactly what to expect.
How Long Does It Take?
- A simple Certificate of Cancellation or Satisfaction usually takes 2 to 4 weeks.
- A set aside application can take 4 to 12 weeks, depending on court backlogs and whether a hearing is required.
Summary: Can a Paid CCJ Be Removed?
Scenario | Can It Be Removed? | Notes |
Paid within 30 days of judgment | Yes | Apply for a Certificate of Cancellation |
Paid after 30 days | No (by default) | Can only be marked “satisfied” |
Grounds to set aside (e.g., error) | Possibly | Legal process; court decides outcome |
Claimant agrees to set aside | Likely | Easier path, but still requires court process |
Take Control of Your Credit Today
If a paid CCJ is weighing down your credit score, don’t just accept it as a six-year sentence. You may have options to legally remove it, and Parachute Law is here to help you explore them.
Call us on 0207 183 4547
Or email us: thelegalteam@parachutelaw.co.uk
Let’s see if we can clear that judgment from your record and give your credit file a fresh start
Related articles:
