Want to pay a CCJ with no paperwork? We outline your options below.
If you've discovered that your business has a County Court Judgment (CCJ) but you’ve never received the paperwork — or can’t find it — you’re not alone. It’s a situation that leaves many company directors feeling confused, anxious, and unsure of how to take the next step.
At McAlister & Co, we regularly help business owners navigate this exact scenario. Whether you're concerned about reputational damage, enforcement action, or simply want to understand how to resolve the issue and move on, this blog will walk you through your options when it comes to how to pay a CCJ with no paperwork.
What Is a CCJ?
A County Court Judgment (CCJ) is a court order issued when a creditor takes legal action to recover a debt, and the debtor fails to respond or pay. It can be issued against both individuals and businesses, and is typically the result of unpaid invoices, loans, or other contractual obligations.
For businesses, a CCJ is more than just a legal mark — it can severely impact your reputation, credit rating, and ability to secure finance or contracts. Worse still, if left unaddressed, it can lead to enforcement action such as bailiff visits or even winding-up petitions.
Why Would You Not Have Paperwork?
There are several reasons why a business may be unaware of a CCJ or be unable to locate the associated documents:
- The claim was sent to an old or incorrect address
- The claim was sent to the registered office, which is not an office that the company trades from
- The business was in administration or disarray at the time of the claim
- The letter was lost, overlooked, or never arrived
- Internal staff changes meant the notice wasn’t passed to the right person
Whatever the cause, if you’ve only just discovered a CCJ — perhaps through a credit report or rejected finance application — don’t panic. It’s still possible to resolve the issue, even if you have no paperwork.
Step-by-Step: How to Pay a CCJ with No Paperwork
1. Search for the CCJ Details
Start by confirming the judgment details via the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines, which is publicly accessible through credit reference agencies (like Experian or Equifax).
Alternatively, you can contact the County Court Business Centre (CCBC) directly, which handles most CCJs in England and Wales. You'll need to provide:
- Your company name and address
- Any known case numbers or creditor names (if available)
The court can then confirm the claimant (creditor), the amount owed, the date of the judgment, the case reference number, and where payment should be sent.
2. Contact the Court or Claimant
Once you have the details, you have two main options:
- Contact the claimant directly to discuss payment terms or settlement
- Contact the court to make payment or ask for an instalment plan (if the claimant won’t engage)
If you can’t reach the creditor, the court may be able to process payment on their behalf — but this is case-dependent.
3. Make Payment Promptly (If You Can)
If the CCJ is less than one month old, paying it in full will allow you to apply to have it removed entirely from the public register — as if it never happened.
If more than one month has passed, you can still:
- Pay in full, which marks the CCJ as “satisfied” (better than unpaid, but still visible for six years)
- Apply to the court for a “variation” if you can’t afford to pay the full amount immediately
4. Can’t Afford to Pay?
If your business is facing wider financial pressures — such as multiple CCJs, creditor demands, or poor cash flow — it might be time to look at a more structured debt solution.
A company voluntary arrangement (CVA) is a formal agreement with your creditors to repay what you can afford over time, usually 3-5 years. CCJs can be included in a CVA, meaning:
- Bailiff action is halted
- You make one affordable monthly payment
- Your business can continue trading
This is where our expertise can make all the difference.
How McAlister & Co Can Help
As licensed insolvency practitioners, McAlister & Co are specialists in helping businesses resolve debt problems, including dealing with CCJs. Here’s how we can support you:
Clarify the Status of the CCJ
We can help you:
- Identify unknown CCJs against your company
- Contact courts and creditors on your behalf
- Understand your legal obligations and time limits
Many directors feel overwhelmed or unsure of how to deal with the court system — we take care of that for you.
2. Negotiate with Creditors
If you want to avoid further damage to your credit score or legal threats, it’s crucial to address the CCJ quickly. We can negotiate settlements, or payment plans with creditors to:
- Avoid enforcement
- Reduce the total amount owed
- Stop interest from accruing
3. Assess Your Financial Position
If a CCJ is part of a bigger financial picture, we’ll conduct a full review of your business’s health. This includes:
- Cash flow forecasts
- Debt-to-income ratios
- Risk assessment of potential insolvency
This insight forms the foundation of your business rescue plan.
4. Implement a CVA or Other Business Rescue Strategy
Where appropriate, we can help you set up a CVA to include all unsecured debts, including CCJs. Other options may include:
- Time to Pay arrangements with HMRC
- Business refinancing or restructuring
- Pre-pack administration, if the business is no longer viable
5. Protect Your Business Reputation
We understand that CCJs can feel embarrassing and damaging, particularly when you’re trying to grow or secure new contracts. Our team works confidentially and quickly to help you:
- Minimise the impact on your credit file
- Remove or satisfy the CCJ
- Communicate with stakeholders and suppliers
Don’t Ignore a CCJ – Take Control Today
Ignoring a CCJ won’t make it go away — but with expert support, you can take control and protect your business’s future.
Whether you're unsure how to pay a CCJ without paperwork, or you're juggling multiple debts and legal threats, McAlister & Co are here to guide you through it with empathy, expertise, and a clear plan of action.
Need help dealing with a CCJ? Contact McAlister & Co today for a free, confidential consultation. Speak to our experts.