When can you use a Paralegal?
Paralegals can perform many of the tasks you would require however they are considerably more affordable than solicitors. You may require services of a Paralegal, if someone takes you to court claiming that you allegedly owe them money and you would need help and assistance with the courts process to defend yourself. Paralegals have no automatic rights to represent you in any open court without the express permission of the court however Paralegals can assist and advise you if you need to represent yourself as a litigant in person (LIP). Paralegals cannot conduct your case and unable to file documents at court and/or make applications on your behalf, however paralegals can assist you with drafting these documents and help you file these documents at court yourself as a litigant in person.
What is a CCJ?
A CCJ is a County Court Judgment which has been entered against you in a civil claim in England and Wales. If a CCJ has been entered against you then this means that the Court has already decided that you owe the money under the Claim. The Judgment Order you would have received from the Court would explain how much you owe and to whom, how to pay the judgment (in full or by way of instalments) and the deadline date. If a CCJ is paid within 1 month from the judgment date then you can get the record of judgment marked as satisfied and have the judgment removed by applying for a certificate of cancellation. Where the judgment is paid after one month from the judgment date, the CCJ would not be removed upon repayment and would remain on your file for 6 years. You will however be able to apply for a certificate of satisfaction once the balance under the CCJ has been paid.
How can ARK CMCS help me?
We specialise in civil claims and have many years’ experience in Civil Litigation. As a Paralegal services firm we are able to provide you with litigation support services and advise and guide you through the Court process in order to remove a CCJ and draft the necessary documents for you in this matter. We are able to offer you fixed sum packages to deal with your whole claim in full. We provide a FREE case review and advise you on your best options to set aside your judgment(s). Click here to submit an enquiry.
What impact will a CCJ have on me?
Having a CCJ on your credit file can have an impact on you regardless the amount of the CCJ. The effects of having a CCJ can be:-
- Preventing from obtaining a Mortgage or buying a house
- Declining from all forms of credit
- Enforcement (Bailiffs) proceedings taking place
- You could be refused a job
The cost of having a CCJ on your credit report/file will far outweigh the amount the court has ordered you to pay therefore you need to get the CCJ removed if you can.
There are 3 ways how a CCJ can be removed:-
- Pay the full amount within 30 days
- Wait for 6 years and it will automatically remove from your credit file
- Apply to have the judgment set aside
If you require our services to help remove (set aside) your CCJ contact us today
Can private parking companies issue CCJ against me?
Yes, if a private parking company informs you that they are taking you to Court and you do not respond, a Default Judgment can be issued against you.
Once the CCJ has been set aside, does it completely remove from my record?
Once your CCJ has been set aside, the Court should automatically update the Registry Trust and this will result in the CCJ being completely removed. If the CCJ is still showing on your credit file then you may need to contact the Court to remind them to remove it
What is the difference between a Default Judgment and Judgment by Admission?
A Default Judgment is when the Court has made a money judgment against you if you did not file either a Defence or an Admission to the Claim. When a Defendant does not respond to the Claim issued against them, the Court grants the Claimant a Default Judgment.
A Judgment by Admission is when you have responded back to the Claim by way of admitting to the outstanding balance and therefore a Judgment by Admission is automatically entered against you.
If you have received a Default Judgment and did not receive any paperwork from the Court then please contact us by visiting our contact us page.
Why should you act promptly in setting aside a CCJ?
The Court has a discretion to set the judgment aside. One of the most important factors the Court considers when making their decision is whether the Application has been made promptly.
Promptness will depend on the circumstances of each case however some Applications fail because the Defendant waited too long before proceeding with their Application.
The Defendant might try to justify any delays on the basis that:-
- They were unsure of how the process works or checked online forums for advice until they proceed
- They were trying to negotiate with the Claimant
- All evidence was required before they made the Application
These reasons should not be relied on as an excuse for not acting promptly with your case. It is highly recommended that you should apply straight away with the appropriate Court fee and discuss the possibility of a settlement with the Claimant.
If you require our help and services please do not hesitate to contact us by filling our enquiry form.