Small reads, real relief
Short, honest guides and tools that meet you where you are. No fluff — just the stuff that actually helps.
16 guides found
Dealing with a CCJ
What a County Court Judgment actually means and the steps to take if one lands on your doorstep.
Read guide →How to deal with bailiffs
Know your rights, what bailiffs can and can't do, and how to stop a visit escalating.
Read guide →Council tax arrears explained
Why council tax is a priority debt and how to negotiate before things reach enforcement.
Read guide →Mortgage arrears — your options
Practical steps if you're behind on your mortgage and worried about repossession.
Read guide →HMRC debts and tax arrears
Time to Pay arrangements, what HMRC can do, and how to open the conversation.
Read guide →Energy and utility arrears
Payment plans, priority services and social tariffs when the bills feel impossible.
Read guide →Credit card debt
Minimum payments, interest traps and when to consider a formal solution.
Read guide →Building a realistic budget
A gentle framework that starts with what you can, not what you should.
Read guide →Understanding your credit file
What lenders actually see, and how debt solutions show up over time.
Read guide →Rebuilding after a debt solution
Small habits that quietly move you forward once the pressure lifts.
Read guide →Dealing with priority debts
Council tax, rent, energy — why these matter first and what to do.
Read guide →Talking to creditors
Simple scripts and templates to help you have those difficult conversations.
Read guide →Debt and mental health
How to protect your wellbeing and get extra support when debt feels overwhelming.
Read guide →Joint debts and divorce
Untangling shared borrowing when a relationship ends.
Read guide →Debt when self-employed
Managing irregular income, tax bills and business debts alongside personal ones.
Read guide →Debt jargon, translated
Plain English explanations of the terms that shouldn't need explaining.
Read guide →Official court forms and fee support
If you have a County Court Judgment (CCJ) you didn't know about, or you're struggling to pay one, these official gov.uk forms can help. Court fees may be reduced or waived if you're on a low income or receive certain benefits.
Apply to set aside a CCJ
Use form N244 to ask the court to cancel (set aside) a County Court Judgment — for example if you never received the claim or have a defence.
Open N244 on gov.uk Form N245Vary a CCJ or reduce instalments
Use form N245 to ask the court to change how you pay a CCJ — for example to lower the monthly instalments to something you can actually afford.
Open N245 on gov.uk Form EX160 — Help with FeesGet help paying court fees
You may not have to pay a court or tribunal fee if you're on a low income or receive certain benefits. Apply online or with form EX160.
Apply for Help with FeesDebt Compass isn't a law firm and can't complete court forms for you. For free help filling in these forms, contact Citizens Advice, your local Law Centre, or National Debtline. Links open on gov.uk.
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