A time to pay order is a court order granted by the sheriffs court. It allows you to pay a debt back in instalments. As long as you keep to the terms of the time to pay order no further action can be taken against you by your creditors.

You can apply for a time to pay order before or after a decree has been granted against you. For further information on time to pay orders please call our Helpline or speak to a Money Advisor.

The courts may grant summary diligence when:

• you have been overpaid a state benefit
• you have failed to pay a fine
• you have signed a contract which allows use of summary diligence

Summary diligence means that the procedure used is quicker and generally speaking you have less opportunity to challenge what is happening.

If you think summary diligence is being used to enforce your debts please call our free Helpline for further advice. 

Yes, a creditor can use more than one type of diligence against you.

If you are struggling to pay your debts, or if court action has been taken against you, please call our Helpline for further advice.