Legal Aspects of Debt and Obtaining Credit

Understanding your legal rights when you're a debtor is vital - although the law gives your creditors the power to take action to recover the money you owe them, it also makes them adhere to certain procedures before they can take any legal action. For example, you cannot be evicted from your home without the creditor going to court and obtaining the necessary order. So knowing the law will give you protection, and will stop you from being unduly intimidated.

In this section, you'll find details of a number of legal processes concerning debt and how you should handle them, including how to deal with County Court Judgements and making sure you keep a roof over your head and avoid being repossessed or evicted.

There's also a look at your rights when it comes to creditors disconnecting services or seizing goods - what they are allowed to do, and what would be considered harassment.

Property Repossession
What happens when your lender wants to repossess your house ...
Eviction
What you need to know if you receive an eviction notice for your rented property ...
Access Rights
Do utility providers have a right to enter your property?
Bailiffs
Vital information you should be aware of if the bailiffs come knocking on your door ...
Harassment
Harassment is a criminal offence - make sure you know your rights ...
Joint & Several Liability
Being responsible for a debt which is not your fault ...
Default Notices
What you should do if you receive this warning statement ...
Statutory Demands
Ignoring one of these demands can lead to a creditor petitioning for your bankruptcy ...
County Court Judgments (CCJ)
A look at the Pros and Cons of getting a CCJ ...
CCJ Procedures
A step-by-step guide to dealing with a County Court Judgment ...
County Court Claim Form
Tips on filling in a CCJ Claim Form ...