What happens if I ignore a CCJ? 

The lender can take further enforcement action against you, which may include applying for: 

• bailiff action
• bankruptcy (if you owe £5,000 or more)
• an attachment of earnings order – this takes a fixed percentage of your wages until your debt is paid
• a third-party debt order – this tells your bank to use the money from your bank account to pay the debt  
• a charging order to secure the amount you owe against your home (if you’re a homeowner) 

After a lender receives a charging order, they can apply for an order for sale. This forces you to sell your home and the lender takes what you owe from the proceeds.  

A CCJ can be included in the following debt solutions:  

• debt relief order (DRO) 
• individual voluntary arrangement (IVA) 
• bankruptcy 

This means you may be able to write off some, or all, of the debt if you’re eligible for a DRO, an IVA or bankruptcy. 

But remember, these debt solutions will affect your credit rating and you may have to pay a fee. Speak to a debt adviser for more information on getting a debt solution if you have a CCJ.