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Statutory Demands | Debt Advice
What is a Statutory Demand?
A statutory demand is considered as the first step to bankruptcy. It is favoured by the creditor as a way to get you to fulfill your debt obligation. It is served without any court involvement and a judgement isn't necessary; it can be served as soon as the debt is due. A statutory demand ultimately gives you 21 days warning to pay the debt. If you don't respond or pay the debt within the 21 days, the creditor can follow up with a bankruptcy petition.
What if I dispute the Statutory Demand?
If you (the debtor) dispute the Statutory demand you can apply for it to be set aside. Then, if the creditor decideds to proceed with bankruptcy due to non payment of the debt, the court will halt the bankruptcy.
How do i get a Statutory Demand set aside?
in order to get a statutory demand set aside you must satisfy one of the following criteria:
- Dispute the amount of the debt on the demand
- The person issung the demand also owes money - also known as a counter claim
- The person issuing the statutory demand is holding some sort of security that equals or exceeds the debt owing
- The demand was issued in error
- The debt is less than £750
- Execution has been stayed on a judgement debt
- You are already compliant with an instalment order on the debt. Therefore, the debt is not owed and you are in the process of paying the debt back
- The creditor didn't adhere to the rules and predjudiced you in the process
Other ways to avoid Bankruptcy proceedings - You do not dispute the debt, but cannot pay it
If you receive a statutory demand, do not dispute the debt you could:
- try reducing the debt to less than £750
- offer to pay the debt in instalments
- Make a reasonable offer to settle the debt in full
If you have received a statutory demand, we at Debt Advice are happy to help. Contact us right away and we will provide you with the best debt advice for your situation.