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County Court Judgments (CCJs) -
What They Are and How to Enforce Them

A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a court order issued in England and Wales when a person or business fails to repay money they owe. If you are owed money and have obtained a CCJ that remains unpaid, it is important to understand what it means and what steps you can take to recover the debt.

This page explains what a CCJ is, how it works, and the options available if payment is not made.

What Is a County Court Judgment (CCJ)?

A County Court Judgment, often referred to as a CCJ, is a legal decision made by the County Court stating that a debtor must repay money to a creditor.

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A CCJ can be issued against:

  • An individual

  • A sole trader

  • A partnership

  • A limited company

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It is typically granted when:

  • A debtor does not respond to a court claim, or

  • The court decides the money is owed after considering both sides

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Once a CCJ is issued, the debtor is legally required to pay the amount set out in the judgment.

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For details about how to apply for a CCJ, visit www.gov.uk/make-court-claim-for-money

A County Court Judgment remains on a debtor’s credit record for six years.

How Does a County Court Judgment Work?

​The process usually follows these steps:

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  1. A claim is issued by the creditor through the County Court

  2. The debtor is given time to respond or dispute the claim

  3. Judgment is granted if the debt is not disputed or the creditor is successful

  4. Payment terms are set, either in full or by instalments

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Once granted, a County Court Judgment does not result in automatic recovery of the debt. If the debtor does not pay voluntarily, the creditor must decide how to enforce the judgment.

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At this stage, creditors generally have two main enforcement routes:

  • Enforcement through the County Court, using County Court bailiffs

  • Escalation to alternative enforcement options, including High Court enforcement for eligible debts (£600+)

How to Enforce a County Court Judgment

Choosing the right enforcement method can have a significant impact on the speed and likelihood of recovery. Typically, you have three options, depending on the value of the debt:

Option 1

County Court Bailiffs

For all debt values, creditors can apply for a Warrant of Control, authorising County Court bailiffs to attend the debtor’s address to seek payment or take control of goods.

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This option appears straightforward. However, the effectiveness of County Court bailiffs is low because of backlogs with courts and delays in cases being assigned, lack of financial incentive for the County Court Bailiff to recover or seek information about the debtor (they get paid regardless of the result!) and limited enforcement powers. If you have a debtor that is particularly uncooperative or experienced in avoiding payment, carefully consider using County Court Bailiffs as their recovery rates are low and enforcement action is typically slower. 

Option 2

Transfer the CCJ to the High Court

For judgment debts of £600 or more, creditors may choose to transfer the CCJ to the High Court for enforcement by High Court Enforcement Agents (HCEAs). High Court Enforcement Agents can visit the debtor to seize goods to cover the debt value.

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High Court enforcement is frequently preferred because it can offer:

  • Faster enforcement action

  • Greater enforcement powers

  • Increased pressure on non-paying debtors

  • Improved recovery outcomes

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Find out more about High Court Enforcement

Option 3

Specialist Debt Recovery

For judgment debts under £600, creditors cannot transfer the CCJ to the High Court for enforcement. Therefore, recovery options can feel limited. Options include County Court Bailiffs (above) or professional debt recovery delivered by specialists. Specialist Debt recovery is often the most practical option and may include:

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  • Formal demand letters

  • Negotiated settlement

  • Payment plans

  • Debt Collection Agent visits to the property

  • Escalation advice if further action becomes viable

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This approach can avoid disproportionate enforcement costs and improve recovery without further court applications.

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Find out more about Specialist Debt Recovery

Help Choosing the Right Enforcement Option

If you're unsure about how to enforce a county court judgement, get in touch and we will provide free, professional advice, assessing: 

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  • The most appropriate enforcement route

  • Whether High Court enforcement is suitable

  • How to avoid unnecessary delays and repeat applications

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Taking prompt and informed action can significantly improve the chances of recovering an unpaid judgment.

Enforcing County Court Judgments for Commercial Debts

Where businesses continue to trade while avoiding payment, swift escalation is essential.  As Commercial debt recovery specialists we can support creditors in enforcing unpaid CCJs efficiently, particularly where County Court enforcement has proven ineffective or unsuitable.

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Additionally, we can support with the 'Transfer up' process to progress your judgment from a CCJ to a High Court Writ. 

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To find out more about our High Court Enforcement service, click here.​

Related Services

High Court Enforcement

Enforce court judgments through the High Court.​

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Commercial Debt Recovery

Recover unpaid invoices pre-legally.

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Commercial Forfeiture

Terminate a lease and regain possession when tenants default or breach their lease.

An Unpaid CCJ Requires Action - The Right Recovery Approach Makes all the Difference

A County Court Judgment does not guarantee payment. If your CCJ remains unpaid, choosing the most effective enforcement or recovery option is critical. Whether your debt qualifies for High Court enforcement or requires a specialist recovery approach, experienced guidance can help you avoid delays and improve the likelihood of recovery.

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