What happens if I ignore a CCJ?

Ignoring a CCJ is not a decision to be taken lightly. It can have a serious impact on your financial wellbeing. So it’s crucial to understand the potential repercussions.

Legal consequences

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A CCJ is a type of order that may be registered against you by a creditor if you fail to repay a debt. If you ignore a CCJ or don’t meet its terms, the CCJ will be recorded on your credit file for a period of six years and the creditor may take further action to ensure repayment.

The Impact of Ignoring a CCJ

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• You may be refused credit for a loan, mortgage, credit card or mobile phone contract

• It may affect your professional prospects as some employers may check your credit record as part of their background checks before they will hire you

• You might not be able to rent a home

• Your credit score will suffer. A CCJ can lower your score by 250 points

• The creditor may still want to pursue enforcement proceedings by applying to seize your personal belongings, deduct money from your wages, or secure a debt against your property.

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Moving Forward

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It’s clear that ignoring a CCJ is not a wise decision. It’s not just about the immediate financial implications, but also the long term effects on your credit file and the potential impact on your personal and professional life.

Therefore if you find yourself facing a CCJ its crucial to address it promptly. Either communicate to the court if you are struggling to make the payments, dispute the issue of the CCJ or pay the full amount within one month of the CCJ being issued, then it will not reflect on your credit file.

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Winnie Onyekwere LLB LLM