Personal Debt

How can I tell my partner I’m in debt?

Being in debt can be a huge burden that affects every part of your life, but one of the most difficult aspects is when you’re in a relationship, as it can be very difficult to tell your partner abou...

Debts in Scotland – What is a decree?

A decree is a ‘money judgment’ issued by the sheriff courts in Scotland, and is the same as a County Court Judgment (CCJ) in England and Wales.

Why Scottish individuals should be cautious of unregulated debt advice

As part of Scotland’s Financial Health Service, Scottish people in debt are obliged to obtain advice from an approved money advisor prior to entering insolvency processes such as the Debt Arrangemen...

What is a Money Adviser in Scotland?

When you’re in debt and don’t know which way to turn, obtaining reliable and up-to-date advice is crucial.

What are priority debts and how should I handle them?

When you are experiencing financial trouble, however temporary, it is important to divide your debts into priority and non-priority payments. Priority debts include mortgage or rent payments, utility...

What happens when a creditor takes me to court in Scotland?

If a creditor is taking you to court in Scotland, the initial notification will be a writ or summons. This document should include details of your creditor, the amount owed, name of the court, and wha...

Can I use money from my pension to pay debts?

New pension regulations introduced in 2015 completely changed the way you can access your pension, and opened up what was previously a limited range of options. Some people choose to pay off debt with...

How can I clear my debts as quickly as possible?

Quickly clearing your debts allows you to take control of your financial situation and start saving for the future.

Diligence against earnings – Information for Scots in debt

Diligence against earnings is a collective term for the ways creditors can deduct money directly from your salary in order to enforce the payment of a debt. The three methods are: earnings arrestment,...

What is an earnings arrestment?

An Earnings Arrestment Order (EAO) is a form of ‘diligence’ that can be taken against you by a creditor. Diligence procedures are permitted once the creditor has been granted an appropriate court...

How to respond if a High Court Enforcement Officer contacts you

If you have been contacted by a High Court Enforcement Officer, it means that one of your creditors has been through court process to recover a debt. In Scotland, High Court Enforcement Officers are c...

I have lost my job and can’t afford to pay my bills. What next?

If you have lost your job and are unable to pay the bills, the first thing you should do is make a list of all your creditors. You will need to prioritise them, and then contact each one in turn.