Getting a county court judgement (CCJ) understanding and navigating the court process  effectively can be quite overwhelming. In this article I'll answer the question and provide some tips on what to do if you find yourself in the situation of whether to have make a court appearance or not. 

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The basics of a CCJ

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A CCJ is a type of court order that is registered by a creditor or lender if you fail to repay a debt that you owe. It can have serious consequences for your credit score and future financial prospects. So can you  get a CCJ without going to court? The answer is no, but there are situations where you may have to attend court or take legal action. 

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When do I have to attend court? 

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You will be required to attend court when

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• You want to dispute the claim and defend yourself in court, you will need to file a court Form N244

• You want to ask for more time to pay or for a different payment arrangement.

• You want to apply for the CCJ to be cancelled or set aside because you did not receive it or respond to the claim form. 

• The creditor asks for an order that requires you to attend court and provide information about your income and expenses.

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What if I do have to attend court?

 

When attending court and you appear before the judge either in person or by telephone appointment

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• modulate your voice

• speak slowly

• engage the judge

• listen to what the judge is saying and asking of you

• talk to the judge in simple language or make it conversational

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The easier your advocacy is to understand, the more natural it will be follow the points that you have.

 

Now it’s your turn

I’d like to hear from you. Which tip from today’s process whilst attending court are you going to try first?

Are you going to listen to what the judge is saying and asking of you?

Or make your advocacy skills easier to understand?

Either way, let me know by leaving a quick comment

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Winnie Onyekwere LLB LLM

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