Information about different situations where debts can arise.
Debts are a very common legal problem that most people experience at some stage in their life. In this section you will find information about the different ways where debts can arise .
There are many different situations where debts can arise. A debt occurs when someone owes someone else money. This could be because:
Other common examples of debts are:
In those situations, it is important to get legal advice because specific laws apply.
A contract is an agreement between two or more parties. It is a legally binding promise or agreement. It doesn't have to be in writing. If one person does not carry out the terms of the contract, they may have 'breached' the contract. The other person could choose to make a claim for money or a debt arising out of the breach.
For more information, see Contracts.
A private loan is an agreement between the person lending the money and the person borrowing the money on the condition that the loan will be repaid by a specific date or event. A private loan is different to a loan from a bank or other credit provider. A private loan is more flexible than borrowing money from a bank as the terms can be negotiated between the parties. However, disputes can arise if the person borrowing the money cannot afford to repay the debt.
For more information, see Gifts and private loans.
Bank loans, credit cards and mortgages are consumer credit contracts. National credit laws cover these types of contracts and these laws give additional rights to consumers if they have a consumer credit debt problem.
For more information, see Loans and credit cards.
If you are struggling to pay your utility bills, the first step is to contact the service provider by phone, by email or by letter.
You may be able to negotiate a payment plan with the service provider or apply to an Ombudsman service.
For more information, see Electricity, gas, water and phone bills.
Uncollected goods are goods that you left with another persons and are trying to recover, or goods that have been left with you and you may want to dispose of.
Different rules apply depending on the type of goods and the situation.
For more information, see Uncollected goods.
The time limit to start a claim to recover money is within six years from when the debt became owed, when it was last acknowledged or when the last payment was made. If the debt is more than six years old, you do not have to pay it.
Are you having trouble paying your loan because you lost your job? This online factsheet explains where to get help if you have trouble paying your mortgage after you have lost your job
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