Debt and the Consequences

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This information has been published to highlight the consequences of being in debt and to provide information on the help available for those in debt.

Contents

Why should I read this booklet?

How can a money adviser help me?

Where can I get free help and advice?

What can I do about my debts?
Debt management plan
Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS)
Trust deed
Bankruptcy
What are my choices?

What legal steps can creditors take against me?

What happens when my creditor takes me to court?
How do I know if I am being taken to court?
What can the sheriff be asked to do?
What can I do if I receive a summons or writ?
What are time to pay directions and time orders?

How does a creditor get their money after court action?
What is the Debt Advice and Information Package?
What is a charge for payment?

What is a time to pay order?

What types of enforcement action can a creditor use?
Arrestment of earnings
Bank arrestment
Other arrestments
Arrestment on the dependence
Eviction due to rent or mortgage arrears
Attachment
Interim attachment

Exceptional attachment orders
Inhibition

How can my creditor make me bankrupt?

What if my creditor is a local authority or HM Revenue & Customs?

What can I do if I think my creditor or a sheriff officer has behaved incorrectly?

Further information

Household Income and Expenditure

Your debts