If your creditors have been unable to collect the money you owe them through their normal collection procedures, they may decide to apply for a count court judgement against you.

A County Court Judgement (also known as a CCJ) is basically a court ruling confirming that you owe the money and that it must be repaid it a particular rate and within a particular time.

If a creditor has issued a claim for a CCJ against you, you will receive a claim form in the post. The form is normally 4 pages long and can be easily identified as it is a distinctive blue and white colour.

You should always respond to a county court claim form it straight away. You will have three response options:

Option 1:  I agree with the claim and can pay it straight away

If this is the case, you should take or send the money including any interest and costs to the person who is owed money within 14 days. If you do this, the debt will be settled and a CCJ will not be issued.

Option 2: I owe the money claimed but cannot pay it straight away

You must complete the “Admission” part of the form and return it within 14 days. You will need to provide details about your personal financial circumstances so that the Court can understand how much you can reasonable pay towards your debt each month.

A County Court Judgement will then be issued against you. This can actually be an advantage for you as once the judgement is in place, if you maintain the payments, the creditor can no longer chase you for money.

Remember: The claim form must be completed correctly. If not, then the court may ask you to pay more than you can afford each month. If you need help, you should contact Beat My Debt

Option 3: I disagree with the claim and do not think I should pay it

If you disagree with the claim, then you must complete the “defence and counter claim” part of the form and return it within 14 days.
The court will then review your counter claim and decide whether the claim should be upheld or thrown out. 
 
The most important thing to remember is that you must not ignore a claim form.  If you do a judgement may be taken out against you without further notice.