Set Aside a Default Judgment
Fast, expert advice when a CCJ has been entered without your knowledge.
If a default judgment has been made against you, you may be able to ask the court to set it aside. I provide a premium, fixed-fee service that prepares the complete application for you - giving you clarity, confidence and the strongest possible paperwork.
Most clients begin with the paperwork stage only. If a hearing is required, you can instruct me to represent you or you can use the written arguments already prepared to attend yourself.
From £2,500 plus VAT for the paperwork stage.
Why this service?
This is a dedicated, specialist service focusing exclusively on helping people overturn default judgments.
Premium, personal preparation - your papers are drafted entirely by me, an experienced barrister
Deep procedural insight - I have seen these applications from every angle and have significant first-hand experience of how these applications are treated
Fast turnaround - usually within days once documents have been provided
Clear, fixed fee for the paperwork - no hourly rate uncertainty'
Direct access - you instruct me direct without needing a solicitor.
The Process
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Stage 1 - The Paperwork
This is where most applications are won and lost. I prepare:
- The N244 application form setting out what you are seeking and why you are entitled to it
- A detailed witness statement supporting your application addressing all the relevant principles
- Advice on prospects of success, next steps, and guidance on presenting the application at court.
Fixed fee: from £2,500 plus VAT
Timeframe: usually 3-5 working days
Many clients find that once they have had professionally prepared papers, they feel confident to attend the hearing themselves if required.
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Stage 2 - Hearing (Optional)
A hearing will normally be listed (unless the paperwork is so strong that the claimant consents to the order being set aside).
If a hearing is required, you can:
- Instruct me to represent you (remote or in person)
- Attend yourself using the written documentation and preparation already completed.
Hearing representation is quoted separately once the court lists a hearing.
Is this service for you?
Yes, if…
You only learned about the claim after judgment was entered
Papers went to the wrong address, were never received, or you had another genuine reason for not responding
You have an arguable defence to the original claim
You want specialist, high-quality assistance rather then general debt advice
You are comfortable instructing a barrister direct
Maybe not, if…
Your order is from the High Court, not the County Court
You admit the debt and have no defence
You are looking for low-cost representation
You haven’t dealt with this promptly after finding out about the CCJ
You are looking for advice on bankruptcy, IVAs or general debt management
FAQs
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Not necessarily. If your case is strong enough the claimant may back down and agree to the default judgment being set aside. That is just one reason why great paperwork is so important.
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Success depends on (1) why you didn’t respond at the time, (2) how promptly you applied once you found out about the judgment, and (3) the strength of your defence to the underlying claim. I can advise on this once I have your all your information and papers.
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Usually within 3-5 working days, earlier if capacity allows.
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If your judgment is set aside, it is removed from the register.
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No, you can instruct me directly for both stages.