How to Get a CCJ Against a Company

If a company owes you money and continues to ignore requests for payment, one of the most effective steps you can take is obtaining a county court judgment (CCJ). A county court judgment (CCJ) is a legally binding court order confirming that the business must repay the debt, and it often acts as the turning point in recovering money owed.

However, in practice, getting a CCJ is not just about issuing a claim; it is about using the legal process strategically. Many creditors successfully obtain judgments but still struggle to recover payment because they have not considered enforcement or the company’s financial position from the outset.

When is Legal Action the Right Step?

Before starting legal action, it is important to be realistic about the situation. Courts expect parties to attempt resolution before issuing proceedings, and in many cases, a properly structured demand will resolve the matter without the need for a claim.

That said, in commercial debt recovery, it is not uncommon to see companies deliberately delay or ignore correspondence. Where a business has clearly failed to engage, and the money owed is not genuinely disputed, applying for a CCJ becomes a necessary and proportionate step.

A key question to ask early on is not just “am I owed the money?” but “if I get judgment, will I actually recover it?” This is where many claims fall short.

Preparing the Claim Properly

Before issuing proceedings, the quality of your preparation will directly affect your chances of success. In practice, many claims run into difficulty because basic details are wrong, such as issuing against the wrong company entity or failing to properly evidence the debt.

You should ensure you have:

• Clear documentation showing the money owed
• Accurate company details (including registered name and address)
• Evidence of attempts to resolve the matter
• A clear explanation of why the company must pay the debt

We often see claims delayed or challenged simply because the wrong company name was used; something that can easily be avoided with proper checks.

Applying for a CCJ Using Money Claim Online

Most straightforward claims are issued through money claim online, which allows you to begin proceedings quickly and at relatively low cost.

When applying for a CCJ, you will need to:

• Set out the basis of the claim clearly
• Specify the amount of money owed
• Submit the claim and pay the required court fee

Although the system is designed to be accessible, the way the claim is drafted still matters. Vague or poorly explained claims are more likely to be defended, which can lead to unnecessary delay and cost.

For higher-value matters, or where enforcement through the high court is likely, it may be more appropriate to issue the claim outside of Money Claim Online from the outset.

The 14-Day Response Period: What Actually Happens

Once the claim is served, the company has 14 days to respond. On paper, this is straightforward, but in practice, this is where many cases start to diverge.

Some companies will engage and attempt to negotiate. Others will file a defence, sometimes with little merit, simply to delay the process. It is also very common for companies to ignore the claim entirely.

Where there is no response within 14 days, you can request default judgment. This is often the quickest way of obtaining a CCJ, and in many cases, it is how judgments are secured in practice.

However, it is important to remember that a quick judgment does not always mean a quick recovery.

Obtaining a CCJ and the 30-Day Window

If the company does not respond or loses at a court hearing, the court will issue a county court judgment confirming that the debt must be paid.

The judgment will usually require payment within 30 days, and this period is more significant than many creditors realise.

If the company pays within those 30 days:

• The CCJ will not appear on its credit rating
• There is no public record of the judgment

If it does not pay:

• The CCJ is registered
• The company’s credit rating is affected
• Its ability to obtain credit or trade is significantly reduced

In practice, many companies will only take the matter seriously once this stage is reached.

The Reality: A CCJ Does Not Guarantee Payment

A common misconception is that once a court order is obtained, payment will follow automatically. In reality, this is often not the case.

We regularly see situations where creditors obtain a CCJ but receive nothing because the company:

• Has no assets
• Is already insolvent
• Simply chooses not to pay

This is why enforcement should always be considered before starting the claim, not after.

Enforcement Options After Obtaining a CCJ

If the company still fails to pay the debt, further legal action may be required.

High Court Enforcement

For larger debts, transferring the judgment to the high court can be significantly more effective. High Court enforcement officers act quickly and often create immediate pressure on the debtor.

Charging Orders

A charging order allows you to secure the debt against property. This is particularly useful where the company owns assets but is not making payment.

Winding Up Petitions

In more serious cases, creditors may issue winding up petitions. This is a strong form of pressure and can lead to the company being forced into liquidation.

Where this happens, licensed insolvency practitioners will typically take control of the company’s affairs.

Other Enforcement Considerations

While an attachment of earnings order is not available against companies, it is important to understand that enforcement options vary depending on the debtor’s structure and financial position.

Strategic Mistakes to Avoid

In practice, the biggest mistakes we see are not legal, they are strategic.

These include:

• Pursuing a company that is already insolvent
• Failing to check whether assets exist
• Focusing on obtaining a CCJ without considering enforcement
• Issuing claims too early in disputed matters

A CCJ is a tool, not a solution in itself.

How Can Expert Commercial Law Assist?

At Expert Commercial Law, we work with businesses dealing with money owed and looking to recover debts efficiently.

We can connect you with professionals who can:

• Advise on whether legal action is appropriate
• Support you through applying for a CCJ
• Ensure your claim is properly prepared and presented
• Recommend the most effective enforcement strategy, whether through the high court, a charging order, or winding up petitions

Our focus is on helping you move beyond simply obtaining a CCJ and actually recovering the debt.

A Practical Final Point

If you are considering applying for a CCJ, the most important thing is to think ahead. Ask not just how to obtain the judgment, but how you will enforce it if the company refuses to pay.

In commercial debt recovery, the difference between success and failure is rarely the judgment itself, it is what you do next.