Paying a debt off in instalments
When you get court papers detailing how much you owe but you can't afford to pay off the whole debt you can ask to pay it in affordable instalments.
To do this you need to complete and return the form called ‘The Simple Procedure Time to Pay Application’ or the ‘Application in writing for a time to pay direction’. The application will be included with the court paperwork. You’ll be given a deadline to complete and return this, usually 21 days.
If you don’t return this form and you are liable for the debt it is likely the sheriff will order that you pay the full amount due.
The form asks the creditor to agree a payment amount you can afford. If the creditor doesn’t agree it, the court may ask you to attend a hearing to set a payment or the sheriff may accept or reject the offer.