What powers do sheriff officers have?
Sheriff officers can serve or issue court papers, either by hand or first class recorded delivery. Where possible they will try to speak to you about what action is being served and explain the importance of the documents and the process involved. Sheriff officers also enforce any diligence. Diligence cannot begin until a ‘Charge to Pay’ or a ‘Charge for Payment’ has been issued. This tells you to pay the debt in full within a specific period of time, usually 14 days.
Sheriff officers can start diligence to enforce the recovery of goods (e.g. hire purchase items), money owed or the repossession of your home. Sheriff officers can, on the instruction of the creditor, agree a suitable arrangement to prevent further action being taken.
If you’re not sure what to do, we’d recommend contacting us for advice on your options. Diligence can include arresting your earnings, attachment of goods, arrestment of your bank account and petitioning for your bankruptcy.
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