Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice.
If you have a County Court Judgment (CCJ) and you’re considering an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), you may be wondering whether the CCJ can be included.
The good news is:
👉 Yes, in many cases a debt that has resulted in a CCJ can be included in an IVA.
However, having a CCJ does not mean the judgment itself disappears, and there are some important differences between including the debt in an IVA and removing a CCJ from your credit file.
In this guide, we’ll explain what usually happens and answer some of the most common questions.
Can a CCJ Be Included in an IVA? (Quick Answer)
👉 Yes, usually.
If the debt covered by the CCJ qualifies for inclusion in your IVA, it can normally be included alongside your other unsecured debts.
This means:
- ✅ the creditor is usually bound by the terms of the IVA once it is approved;
- ✅ you generally make one affordable monthly payment into the IVA; and
- ✅ further enforcement action relating to included debts is usually restricted while the IVA is in place.
However:
👉 The CCJ itself does not disappear simply because it has been included in an IVA.
What Happens For Most People?
Let’s take a typical example.
Sarah has:
- a credit card debt;
- a personal loan; and
- a CCJ relating to an unpaid catalogue account.
She enters into an IVA.
👉 The catalogue debt that led to the CCJ is included in the IVA.
Sarah now makes one monthly IVA payment rather than paying each qualifying creditor separately.
The CCJ remains part of her credit history, but the underlying debt is dealt with through the IVA.
Does an IVA Remove a CCJ?
👉 No.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions.
An IVA can deal with the debt that resulted in the CCJ, but it does not remove the judgment itself from your credit file.
If you’re specifically looking to remove a CCJ, you may also find our guide on How to Get a CCJ Removed helpful.
Can Bailiffs Still Enforce a CCJ After an IVA Is Approved?
In many cases:
👉 No, not for debts included in the IVA.
Once an IVA has been approved, creditors whose qualifying debts are included are generally expected to deal with the debt through the IVA rather than continuing separate enforcement action.
If bailiff action has already begun before the IVA is approved, it’s important to tell your insolvency practitioner immediately.
What Types of Debt Can Usually Be Included?
Many unsecured debts can potentially be included, such as:
- credit cards;
- personal loans;
- overdrafts;
- catalogue debts;
- store cards; and
- debts that have already resulted in a CCJ.
Not every type of debt can be included, so it’s important to seek advice based on your own circumstances.
What If the CCJ Has Already Been Paid?
If you’ve already paid the debt in full:
👉 There would usually be nothing left to include in an IVA.
However, the CCJ may still remain on your credit file for up to six years unless it is removed through another process.
Does an IVA Affect Your Credit File?
👉 Yes.
Both:
- an IVA; and
- a CCJ
can affect your credit file.
If you already have a CCJ, entering into an IVA will not remove it, and the IVA itself will also be recorded on your credit history.
You may also find our guide on How Long Does a CCJ Stay on Your Credit File? helpful.
Should I Get an IVA Just Because I Have a CCJ?
👉 Not necessarily.
An IVA is a significant financial commitment and is designed for people with wider debt problems rather than simply because they have one CCJ.
If you’re struggling with multiple debts, an IVA may be one possible solution, but it’s usually worth discussing all available options with a qualified debt adviser before making a decision.
Realistic Examples
Sarah Has One CCJ
Sarah enters into an IVA.
👉 The qualifying debt behind the CCJ is included.
👉 The CCJ itself remains on her credit file.
David Has Already Paid the CCJ
David paid his CCJ last year.
👉 There is no outstanding debt left to include in an IVA.
Emma Is Facing Bailiff Action
Emma’s CCJ has progressed to enforcement.
She enters into an IVA.
👉 If the debt is included in the approved IVA, separate enforcement action will usually stop for that debt.
Common Myths
Myth: An IVA automatically removes a CCJ.
❌ False.
The CCJ remains on your credit file even if the debt is included in the IVA.
Myth: A debt with a CCJ can never be included in an IVA.
❌ Usually false.
Many qualifying CCJ debts can be included.
Myth: Entering an IVA instantly improves your credit score.
❌ False.
An IVA will usually affect your credit file and borrowing ability while it remains on your record.
Related Guides
You may also find these articles helpful:
- How to Get a CCJ Removed – Learn when a County Court Judgment can be removed from your credit file.
- How Long Does a CCJ Stay on Your Credit File? – Understand how long a CCJ affects your credit history.
- Can You Pass a Credit Check With a CCJ? – Find out how a CCJ may affect applications for credit.
- How to Check Your Credit Report for Free – Learn how to check your credit report and monitor any CCJs recorded against you.
- Will Bailiffs Eventually Give Up? – Understand what usually happens if a CCJ progresses to enforcement action.
Key Takeaway
If you have a CCJ, the debt behind it can usually be included in an IVA if it qualifies. However, the CCJ itself does not disappear simply because you enter into an IVA. If you’re considering an IVA, it’s important to understand both how it affects existing debts and how it may affect your future credit history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a CCJ debt be included in an IVA?
Usually, yes. Many unsecured debts that have resulted in a CCJ can be included if they qualify.
Does an IVA wipe out a CCJ?
No. The debt may be dealt with through the IVA, but the CCJ itself remains on your credit file.
Will bailiffs stop if my CCJ is included in an IVA?
In many cases, creditors with qualifying debts included in an approved IVA can no longer pursue separate enforcement action. If bailiff action has already started, you should inform your insolvency practitioner as soon as possible.
Can I get a mortgage after an IVA and a CCJ?
It may be possible, but both an IVA and a CCJ can affect your ability to obtain a mortgage. Much depends on your individual circumstances and how long ago they occurred.
Need Further Support?
If you’re considering an IVA or struggling with debts that have resulted in a CCJ, free and confidential help is available.
- Citizens Advice – Independent advice on CCJs, IVAs and debt solutions.
- National Debtline – Free debt advice, including guidance on IVAs and other debt options.
- StepChange Debt Charity – Free debt advice and support to help you explore the most suitable solution for your circumstances.
- Samaritans – Confidential emotional support if debt or financial worries are affecting your wellbeing.
These organisations offer free support and are not affiliated with this website.