What debt issues does this page cover for people in England and Wales?

The page covers several debt-related issues, including defending a County Court Judgment (CCJ), setting aside orders, Breathing Space eligibility, Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs), Debt Relief Orders (DROs), bankruptcy, bailiffs, and statute-barred debts. It also addresses receiving a statutory demand and checking if a debt is statute-barred. This information applies specifically to England and Wales.

What can I do if I want to set aside a County Court Judgment?

If you want to set aside a CCJ, you can use the provided eligibility checker to assess your situation. The page also mentions preparing a witness statement as part of the process. For specific legal advice on your case, you should consult a solicitor or a regulated debt advice service.

How can I check if I am eligible for Breathing Space?

The page includes a Breathing Space eligibility checker to help you determine if you qualify. Breathing Space is a tool that can provide temporary protection from debt enforcement. You should use the checker to see if your circumstances meet the necessary criteria for this form of relief.

Is there a way to check if my debt is statute-barred?

Yes, the page includes a debt limitation checker to help you determine if a debt is statute-barred. A statute-barred debt is one where the time limit for legal enforcement has expired. Using this checker can help you understand your position regarding older debts.

What are the consequences of choosing an IVA or bankruptcy?

The page notes that Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) and bankruptcy have long-term credit consequences. Because of this, it strongly advises taking professional advice before signing up for either of these insolvency solutions to fully understand the impact on your financial future.

All Situations

For Debtors

Defending CCJ, set-aside, Breathing Space, IVA / DRO / bankruptcy, bailiffs, and statute-barred debts.

Reviewed 2026-05-22

Common Problems

CCJ I want to set aside

Bailiffs at the door

Breathing Space eligibility

Statutory demand received

Debt is statute-barred?

Key Legal Topics

Debt Enforcement Law

The legal framework for enforcing civil court judgments and managing unmanageable debt, including bailiff powers, charging orders, attachment of earnings, and insolvency options.

Insolvency & Restructuring Law

Corporate and personal insolvency, administration, liquidation, CVAs, bankruptcy, and IVAs.

Letter Templates

CCJ Set-Aside Witness Statement

Outline witness statement supporting an application to set aside a default County Court Judgment under CPR 13.

Legal Tools & Calculators

Debt Limitation Checker

Check whether a debt is likely to be statute-barred under the Limitation Act 1980, based on the type of debt and the date of last payment or acknowledgement.

Breathing Space Eligibility Checker

Check whether you qualify for Standard 60-day Breathing Space or Mental Health Breathing Space under the Debt Respite Scheme (Breathing Space) (England and Wales) Regulations 2020.

CCJ Set-Aside Eligibility Checker

A decision-tree tool to assess whether you are likely to be eligible to apply to set aside a County Court Judgment (CCJ) entered in default under CPR Part 13.

Common Scenarios

What Happens If Bailiffs Come to Your Home?

Bailiffs (civil enforcement agents) can attend your home to collect debts or enforce court orders. You have important rights about what they can and cannot do.

Debt

Frequently asked questions

What debt issues does this page cover for people in England and Wales?: The page covers several debt-related issues, including defending a County Court Judgment (CCJ), setting aside orders, Breathing Space eligibility, Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs), Debt Relief Orders (DROs), bankruptcy, bailiffs, and statute-barred debts. It also addresses receiving a statutory demand and checking if a debt is statute-barred. This information applies specifically to England and Wales.
What can I do if I want to set aside a County Court Judgment?: If you want to set aside a CCJ, you can use the provided eligibility checker to assess your situation. The page also mentions preparing a witness statement as part of the process. For specific legal advice on your case, you should consult a solicitor or a regulated debt advice service.
How can I check if I am eligible for Breathing Space?: The page includes a Breathing Space eligibility checker to help you determine if you qualify. Breathing Space is a tool that can provide temporary protection from debt enforcement. You should use the checker to see if your circumstances meet the necessary criteria for this form of relief.
Is there a way to check if my debt is statute-barred?: Yes, the page includes a debt limitation checker to help you determine if a debt is statute-barred. A statute-barred debt is one where the time limit for legal enforcement has expired. Using this checker can help you understand your position regarding older debts.
Where can I get free debt advice in England and Wales?: The page recommends seeking free, regulated debt advice from StepChange, National Debtline, or Citizens Advice. For Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) and bankruptcy, it specifically advises taking advice before signing, as these options have long-term consequences for your credit.
What are the consequences of choosing an IVA or bankruptcy?: The page notes that Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) and bankruptcy have long-term credit consequences. Because of this, it strongly advises taking professional advice before signing up for either of these insolvency solutions to fully understand the impact on your financial future.

When to Get Legal Advice

Free, regulated debt advice: StepChange, National Debtline, Citizens Advice. For Individual Voluntary Arrangements (IVAs) and bankruptcy, take advice before signing — these have long-term credit consequences.