Printable debt checklists
One-page checklists for the moments that matter. Print one, stick it by the door or the phone, and tick it off as you go.
Applies to: England & Wales
What to do now
- Pick the checklist you need and press print.
- Keep it somewhere you will see it.
- Use the full guide linked under each one for detail.
Bailiff at the door
- Keep the door shut and locked; talk through it or a window.
- Ask for the agent’s name, ID, company and reference.
- Ask for a breakdown of the debt and every fee.
- Check the fees with the bailiff fee checker.
- Do not sign anything you do not understand.
- Offer an affordable payment — you can pay without letting them in.
- Tell them if anyone at home is vulnerable or a child.
- Write down what happened, with times.
- Get free advice today.
For most debts, bailiffs cannot force their way in. Full guide.
Court claim form
- Find the date of service on the form and work out your deadline (14 days, or 28 if you acknowledge).
- Check you recognise the debt and the amount.
- Decide: admit, admit part, or defend.
- If admitting, do a budget and offer affordable instalments.
- Respond online or by post before the deadline.
- Keep copies and proof of sending.
- Get free advice if you think you have a defence.
Doing nothing leads to judgment by default. Full guide.
Council tax summons
- Note the hearing date.
- Contact the council before the hearing and propose an arrangement.
- Ask about Council Tax Reduction, discounts and exemptions.
- Ask about a section 13A hardship reduction (England and Wales).
- Keep paying the current year if you can.
- Only attend if you dispute that you owe it.
After a liability order the council can use bailiffs or deductions. Full guide.
Creditor harassment evidence
- Log every call, text, email, letter and visit, with date and time.
- Note who called and what was said, especially threats.
- Keep screenshots of messages and call logs.
- Keep copies of letters and envelopes.
- Ask in writing for contact by letter only.
- Send a formal complaint and keep a copy.
- After eight weeks, or a final response, go to the Financial Ombudsman.
A record made at the time is your strongest evidence. Full guide and the contact log.
Documents to gather
- Payslips, benefit letters and pension statements.
- Three months of bank statements.
- Your rent or mortgage statement.
- Council tax, energy, water and phone bills.
- Every letter from creditors, collectors and the court.
- Credit agreements and statements.
- Your credit reports from all three agencies.
- Details of anything you own, such as a car.
An adviser will ask for these, so having them ready speeds things up. Find My Debts.
You never have to pay for debt advice. MoneyHelper (government-backed), StepChange, National Debtline and Citizens Advice all give free, confidential advice with no obligation.
Common questions
Can I print just one checklist?
Yes. Use the print button under each checklist to print only that one.
Are the checklists free?
Yes. They are free to print, copy and share.
Do the checklists apply in Scotland?
The bailiff, court and council tax checklists follow the rules in England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have different procedures.