Articles

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...

Can I object to the re-opening of a Trust Deed?

The re-opening of Trust Deeds has become a contentious issue in Scotland. Debtors who assumed that, having been discharged from their Trust Deed, no further action would be taken in relation to their...

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,...

Coping with council tax debts

Council tax is a charge levied on residential property and payable to the local council. While some properties are exempt from paying council tax, most households must factor this bill into their mont...

What are the alternatives to formal debt solutions, such as DAS?

When you are in financial difficulty and need to find a solution to your debt problems, there are various formal routes that remove the stress of creditor legal action, and help you get back on the ri...

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...

Benefits and tax credits when you’ve lost your job

If you’ve lost your job, state benefits and tax credits can provide vital financial support to see you through this tough time and help you avoid taking on too much debt while you look for more work...

Log book loans and personal debts explained

If you have a poor credit history and are not eligible for mainstream borrowing, log book loans offer a way to obtain finance quickly. They involve borrowing money against the value of your vehicle, a...

How to restore credit rating after Scottish debt programme satisfied

A debt payment programme (DPP) remains on your credit file for six years, along with other default markers and court judgments that have been made against you. This can seriously affect your ability t...

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...