How to remove a CCJ from your credit file

If you receive a claim form for any , the CCJ re are several ways that you remove it from your credit file depending on your situation.

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Paying within a month

If you agree that you owe the money and can afford to pay it in full

within 30 days, you should do so as soon as possible. This will prevent a CCJ from being issued against you, it will not be placed on your credit file, and will prevent affecting your credit rating.

Negotiate with the creditor.

If you agree that you owe some of the money but cannot afford to pay it in full within 14 days, you should contact the creditor and tried to negotiate a payment that suits both of you. You should fill in the admission form that comes with the claim form and send it back to the court. The court will then decide how much you have to pay based on your income and expenses. You may have to pay some interest and costs as well.

Disputing a CCJ

If you disagree that you owe that money, or the amount claimed, you should:

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• Fill in the defence form that comes with the claim form and send it back to court within 14 days. You should also provide any evidence that supports your case. The court would then decide whether to accept or reject your defence. If they accept it, the claim will be dismissed, and you will not have to pay anything. If the court reject your defence, they will issue a CCJ against you and you will have to pay the amount plus interest and costs.

• You have a valid reason for not paying the CCJ or did not receive the claim form, you may be able to get the claim set aside You will require a valid defence against the amount being claimed by the creditor. The court would then decide whether to accept or reject your defence. If they accept it, the claim will be dismissed, and you will not have to pay anything. If the court rejects your defence, it will issue a judgment and you will have to pay the amount plus interest and costs.

• You don’t pay after 6 years. Contact the credit reference agencies to remove the CCJ from your credit record and contact the Registry to request an automatic removal from the Register

• You have proof of payment. If you can provide proof that you have paid off the debt within a certain period you may be able to request the credit reference agencies to remove the CCJ from your credit report

In conclusion,  there are ways to remove it from your credit report to avoid a CCJ having  serious implications on your financial well being.

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Winnie Onyekwere LLB LLM

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