If court action is taken, you will not necessarily have to go to a court hearing. Most of the procedure is done through the post.
You will receive a 'Claim Form' from the court. This will come through the post and tell you how much the creditor says you owe. The claim form will usually include details of the debt known as the 'Particulars of Claim', but the creditor can send this separately within 14 days.
There will be a reply form with the claim form ('admission form'), for you to make your offer of repayment. It looks like a personal budget sheet and asks for information on your income and essential outgoings.
There is also a section you can fill in to include the payments you make on your debts and any other court judgments you may have. You need to ensure you include an offer of payment when you fill in the form. There is a time limit of 16 days from the date of the postmark to send back the form. If you don't send it back the court will give judgment against you and order you to pay the whole debt in one lump sum immediately. Send the form recorded delivery and keep a copy.
If you don't agree with the amount of the debt they say you owe then you must either fill in the Defence Form and send it back to the court within 16 days, or fill in the Acknowledgement of Service form and tick the box to say you wish to defend all of the claim. Send the form back to the court within 16 days. This gives you another 14 days after that to complete your Defence Form and return it to the court.
If you agree you owe only part of the debt, then you have to fill in both the Admission Form and the Defence Form and send them to the court.
Debt Consolidation Explained contains general information only. We strongly advise you to seek qualified professional advice before taking any action.