Checklist

• DO be realistic - face up to your true situation and resolve to deal with it - using the help available to you.
  
  
• DO get in touch with your creditors immediately to explain your difficulties.
  
  
• DO give priority to those debts which may result in you losing your home, fuel supplies or your liberty.
  
  
• DO remember that your creditors prefer small payments regularly rather than larger, irregular payments that you cannot sustain.
  
  
• DO reply to creditors' letters and court summonses within the time period specified and let them have all the facts.
  
  
• DO keep copies of all correspondence, financial statements, debt schedules etc.
  
  
• DO attend and/or be represented at court hearings and take all relevant correspondence with you, including your current financial statement.
  
  
• DON'T ignore the problem - it won't go away.
  
  
• DON'T give up trying to reach agreement with your creditors even if they are difficult and refuse your initial offers.
  
  
• DON'T be threatened or bullied into making promises which you cannot fulfill.
  
  
• DON'T borrow more money to pay off your debts, especially by taking on more credit or store cards.
  
  
• DON'T be afraid to ask for free specialist advice.