Avoiding a CCJ: What to do once you've received a County Court Claim

When you're in debt, your creditors have the right to make a claim for the money you owe in court. If they do, you have 14 days to respond to the claim to either defend the claim or agree to it. If you receive a claim seek debt advice immediately and make sure you reply to the claim within the deadline.

• How do I reply to a court claim?
• I agree with the claim - what's next?
• I disagree with the amount they say I owe - can I change it?
• I don't agree with the claim at all - what can I do?

How do I reply to a court claim?

Along with the documents you receive from the court will be a response pack. These are three forms. The Acknowledgement of service form you will have to fill out and return to the court. The other two forms you fill out will depend on whether you agree or disagree with the claim:

I agree with the claim - what's next?

• Fill in the admission form (N9A)
• Send it back to the creditor who made the claim
• Either send the full payment to the creditor (remembering to get a receipt) or ask if you can pay the money back in instalments.

If you and your creditor cannot come to a payment agreement, a court official will make the decision.

When you agree with claim, a County Court Judgement (CCJ) will be lodged against you. Your credit rating won't be affected as long as you pay back your debt within a month.

I disagree with the amount they say I owe - can I change it?

If you don't think you owe the amount stated in the claim, but do agree you owe some of the claim:

• Fill out the admission form (N9A) stating the amount you believe you do owe.
• Fill the defence form (N9B), stating the amount you do not owe.
• Fill out the acknowledgement of service form and send all three forms back to the court.

Once the court has processed your paperwork, they will let you know how to continue your claim so you can alter the amount claimed by your creditors. You still need to pay the rest of your debt, either in full or by instalments - providing your creditor agrees.

I don't agree with the claim at all - what can I do?

If you don't owe what the creditor has claimed you do, you will have to:

• Fill out the defence form (N9B)
• Fill out the acknowledgement of service form
• Send both forms back to the court.

Your reasons for defending the claim must have good legal standing. If you're unsure if your reason is legally sound, it's best to seek legal advice before you proceed.

You'll be notified by the court on the next part of the claim. If the court decides you are responsible for the debt, a County Court Judgement (CCJ) will be made against you. This gives you one month to repay the money before it started to affect your credit rating. If you still do not make payments after the court decides you are responsible for the claim, the creditors will still pursue you for the payment and can even employ bailiffs to seize your goods.

If you've been sent a court claim, it's a good idea to seek debt advice. Read our County Court Claims: Common Questions section for more information and contact Debt Advice Trust.