If you cannot keep up with your debts, there are formal options that could help you make a fresh start. In England, the three main personal insolvency options are bankruptcy, an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), and a Debt Relief Order (DRO). Each has different rules and consequences. Contact us for free advice before making any decision.
If you owe money on Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) purchases and have missed payments, this article explains what can happen next and what you can do. BNPL providers like Klarna, Clearpay, PayPal, and Laybuy can pass your debt to a collection agency, take you to court, or damage your credit score.
If you have a County Court Judgment (CCJ) and need to change your payment terms, or if you want to challenge a court order, you may need to use either Form N244 or Form N245. This article explains the difference between the two forms, when to use each one, and how much they cost.
If you have been asked to fill in a means form (Form MC100) by a Magistrates' Court, this article explains what it is, what information you need to provide, and what happens if you do not complete it. Related forms for legal aid and help with court fees are also explained.
If you have complained to a bank, lender, or other financial company and you are not happy with their response, you can take your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS). The FOS is a free, independent service that resolves disputes between consumers and financial firms, and its decisions are legally binding.
If you are wondering what a credit reference agency is and how it affects you, this article explains how UK credit reference agencies collect your financial information, create your credit report and score, and how this affects your ability to borrow money. The three main agencies are Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion.
If you are dealing with debt, it helps to understand which debts are most urgent. Priority debts can lead to losing your home, essential services, or even prison if left unpaid. We can help you work out what to pay first.
If you owe money and are not sure what to do, there are several options depending on how much you owe, what assets you have, and your personal circumstances. Contact Youth Legal for free advice on the best route for you.
When you come to us for help with debt, we follow six clear steps to understand your situation and find the best way forward. This page explains what happens at each stage so you know what to expect.
The Breathing Space scheme gives you temporary legal protection from creditors while you get professional debt advice. It freezes interest and charges and pauses enforcement action. Contact Youth Legal to find out if you are eligible.
If a lender owes you money, you have the right to get it back. Start by raising the issue directly with the firm. If that does not work, you can escalate to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) or consider legal action.
If someone has lent you money without proper paperwork, is charging huge interest, or is threatening you, they may be an illegal lender (also called a loan shark). You do not have to deal with this alone. Contact us for free, confidential advice.