Hi Belinda,

Thank you so much for the positive feedback on this site but even more so for sharing your experience with your Scottish Trust Deed.

The variance in the way people are dealt with by different Trust Deed firms is a frequent theme on this forum. It has to be said that the bigger firms haven't fared that well.

The key point you make is the difference between the promises prior to signing and the actuality after signing. In some larger firms the role prior to signing can be seen more as a "sales" function rather than an "advice" function which rather clouds he main issue that people should be informed of exactly where they stand and how things will be if they sign.

We've often talked on this site that a Trust Deed isn't easy and it will involve living on a restricted budget for three years and in some instances having to find a lump-sum at the end of the arrangement. The other side of the equation is that for anyone facing overwhelming levels of debt, with no prospect of repaying it within a reasonable timeframe, a Trust Deed can be an absolute lifeline to a better future.

For a lot of people it's the right thing to do but something really ought to be done to ensure the more sales-orientated operations provide the whole picture prior to people signing on the dotted line.

Your advice about getting it in writing before signing is hugely important and something that our experts Mark and Kevin frequently suggest to those visiting this forum.

Hi both

as Ive mentioned before, there should always be a gap between the initial meeting and the signing of the TD.

It's difficult to comment on individual cases as there are always 2 sides, but there is a responsibility on both sides to ensure a proper understanding on things.

Mark