What is a Trust Deed?

A Trust Deed is a debt solution available to residents in Scotland. It is a legally binding arrangement drawn up between you and your creditors in which you agree to pay your creditors what you can afford. In most cases this means paying back only a percentage of what you can afford. A Trust Deed usually lasts for a period of 3 years, at the end of which any remaining debts are effectively written off leaving you with no more unsecured debt.

Criteria to qualify for a Protected Trust Deed

To qualify for a Protected Trust Deed in Scotland you must be a Scottish resident for at least 6 months, and have unsecured debts of over £5,000.

Advantages

• One affordable monthly payment based on your income and expenses.
• A Trust Deed offers you protection from creditors.
• Creditor pressure is relieved as you can direct them to your case manager.
• Can be complete in as little as 1 year if you can offer a lump sum payment.
• All interest frozen immediately.
• Suitable for tenants or homeowners, individuals or couples, and even business owners.

Disadvantages

• If you are a homeowner and have equity in your home this must be released to pay to your creditors. There are ways to do this without the need to sell your home, for example by re-mortgaging or by a third party or family member making payments on your behalf.
• Creditors can vote against a Trust Deed becoming “Protected”.
• Creditor pressure is relieved as you can direct them to your case manager.
• Can be complete in as little as 1 year if you can offer a lump sum payment.
• All interest frozen immediately.
• Suitable for tenants or homeowners, individuals or couples, and even business owners.