Form N244
If you get a county court judgment (CCJ), you can apply for it to be cancelled in certain circumstances using court form N244.
This guide explains what an N244 form is, how to fill it in and when an N244 form can be used.
What is an N244 form?
You can use court form N244 to apply to have a CCJ cancelled, otherwise known as ‘set aside’.
For your application to be successful, you’ll need to prove the CCJ was unfair or incorrect e.g. if you didn’t know you had a CCJ against you.
You can also use an N244 to ask for a hardship payment order when you’ve received a third party debt order. This releases some of your money so you can afford essential living costs after your money has been frozen by the court.
When can a CCJ be set aside?
You can ask for a CCJ to be set aside if:
- you didn’t know about the CCJ
- the creditor didn’t follow the correct process
- a mistake has been made
If a CCJ is set aside, it will be removed from the Register of Judgments, Orders and Fines. When your CCJ is removed from the register, the credit reference agencies will be told and it will be deleted from your credit file too.
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Will setting aside a CCJ cost me anything?
There’s a fee of £303 to apply to set aside a CCJ using an N244 form.
If you’re using the form to apply for a hardship payment order, there’s a fee of £281.
Can I get any help with paying the court fee?
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you may be able to get help paying any court and tribunal fees.
How do I use an N244 form to set aside a CCJ?
- complete form N244, explaining why the CCJ should be set aside
- return the form to the court
- pay the court fee
- let your creditor know you’ve asked for CCJ to be set aside
What should I tell my creditor?
If you didn’t respond to the original claim form, explain why you didn’t reply in time and provide some background information i.e. you didn’t respond to the claim form in time because you were in hospital.
If you’re disputing the amount claimed, explain why you think it’s wrong and provide copies of any supporting evidence e.g. bank statements.
How do I fill in form N244?
The form has an information box in the top right-hand corner, followed by 10 questions.
Write your name in the ‘defendant’ box, your creditor’s name in the ‘claimant’ box and add the date.
Also include the name of the court, your claim number and warrant number (if applicable).
- question 1 – write your name here
- question 2 – tick ‘defendant’ and write ‘N/A’ in the box next to ‘If you are a legal representative whom do you represent?’
- question 3 – explain why the CCJ was raised against you and why you are applying for it to be set aside
- question 4 – tick ‘yes’ and attach a copy of the CCJ that was sent to you
- question 5 – tick ‘at hearing’ - this is how most applications will be dealt with
- questions 6, 7, 8 – leave these blank rather than guess
- question 9 – write the name of the creditor who raised the CCJ here as they are the claimant, including their address.
- question 10 – tick ‘the evidence set out in the box below’ and include supporting information such as:
- you have taken debt advice from Money Wellness or another debt advice provider
- you are offering to make repayments at a rate you can afford
- any concerns associated with the CCJ going ahead, such as your job being at risk
Include copies of any paperwork supporting your application, such as proof you’ve changed address.
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