Can a CCJ be included in a debt relief order?

For a CCJ to be included in a DRO, the CCJ must be from a non-priority debt. These include:

• store cards
• credit cards
• overdrafts
• water bill arrears
• buy now pay later
• hire purchase agreements for non-essential items, such as a TV
• catalogues
• unsecured loans  

In most cases, CCJs are only issued for non-priority debts, so this isn’t likely to be a stumbling block.

If you aren’t sure if your CCJ is for a non-priority debt, you can ask the court that issued your judgment who requested it. You’ll need your case number, which you'll find on your CCJ claim form.

To be able to get a DRO in the first place, you must also meet all the usual DRO criteria. One of the criteria for a DRO states that you can’t owe more than £50,000.

What happens to my CCJ if I get a DRO?

You can’t be taken to court for a CCJ if you get a DRO.

Creditors can’t take further action against you unless your circumstances change and you’re no longer eligible. If your circumstances don’t change after 12 months, your debts are written off and the CCJ will no longer apply.

Both a DRO and CCJ remain on your credit file for six years. It may be difficult to borrow money during this time.