Time to Pay

An informal or formal arrangement allowing a debtor additional time to pay a judgement debt. This may take the form of a court instalment order, an informal payment plan agreed with the creditor, or a payment arrangement negotiated with the enforcement agent.

In practice

Many debts are resolved through time-to-pay arrangements without the need for formal court applications. An enforcement agent can accept payment in full or agree a short-term payment plan on behalf of the creditor. Where a formal order is needed, the debtor applies to the court. Free debt advice services such as StepChange (0800 138 1111) and National Debtline (0808 808 4000) can help debtors negotiate affordable payment arrangements.