County Court Claims: Common Questions

If you have an outstanding debt, your creditors may make a court claim to get you to pay the debt. As soon as a creditor has taken a court claim against you, it’s best to seek debt advice. If your question on County Court Claims isn’t answered here or in our Avoiding a CCJ section, contact Debt Advice Trust.

• What happens if I ignore a county court claim?
• Can I respond to the claim online or only via mail?
• How can I be guaranteed this is a genuine claim sent from the court?

Ignoring the claim means your creditors can still ask for the claim to be heard – even without your presence. If this is granted you won’t be able to voice your side of the story and you could receive a ‘judgement by default’. In this case you could also receive a judgement order, which means you’ll be required to make the full payment in the claim – including costs immediately.

You can only respond to the claim online if the creditors made the original claim online. The same 14-day deadline applies.

Paying the claim will mean you’ll avoid court and receiving a CCJ. If you receive a claim, you might find debt advice will help. You can explain your situation to a qualified debt advisor who can suggest what debt solution is best for your situation.

The claim form will have a court stamp on it. If it doesn’t, there is a high chance that your claim form is fake and your creditors are using this as a way to get you to make your payments. If this is the case, then it is classed as harassment and you can report this to the police. For more details on harassment, read our section on harassment from creditors.