Restons Solicitors Debt in the UK: Do You Have to Pay in 2026?

Receiving a letter, email, or phone call from Restons Solicitors about a debt can be stressful, especially if you are unsure whether the debt is genuine or what your legal obligations are. Many people worry about court action, credit score damage, or debt collectors turning up at their door. Before making any payments or responding to Restons Solicitors, it is important to understand your rights and the options available to you. 

In this guide, we’ll explain who Restons Solicitors are, whether you have to pay them, what happens if you ignore their letters, and the steps you can take to deal with the situation confidently in 2026.

Who Are Restons Solicitors Limited?

Restons Solicitors Limited is a UK-based law firm that specialises exclusively in debt recovery. Unlike standard debt collection agencies, Restons are qualified solicitors, which means they operate under stricter regulatory oversight and, crucially, can issue County Court claims directly without needing to instruct external lawyers.

Founded in October 2005 by Christopher and Sara Reston, the firm is headquartered in Warrington, Cheshire. They employ over 200 staff, including solicitors and legal professionals, and collect up to £50 million in unpaid debt every month on behalf of their clients.

Restons works primarily on behalf of banks, mortgage brokers, utility companies, and telecoms providers. When those creditors are unable to recover outstanding balances themselves, they either instruct Restons to collect on their behalf or sell the debt to a purchaser who then appoints Restons as their solicitors.

Because of their solicitor status, Restons carries more legal weight than a typical debt collector. A letter bearing a law firm’s name tends to prompt faster responses than one from a standard agency, and that is entirely intentional. If you have received a letter from them, it is important to understand what they can and cannot actually do before you respond or make any payment. 

Are Restons Solicitors Legitimate?

Yes, Restons Solicitors Limited is a fully regulated and legitimate law firm. Here are the details that confirm their legal standing:

• Registered name: Restons Solicitors Limited
• Company number: 05584055
• Registered address: Trinity Chambers, 800 Mandarin Court, Centre Park, Warrington, WA1 1GG
• SRA authorisation number: 425555, regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, the independent regulator for solicitors and law firms in England and Wales
• FCA status: Exempt Professional Firm (EPF reference LS 425555). This means that because Restons is already regulated by the SRA, they fall outside the standard FCA authorisation requirement that applies to most debt collection agencies, while still being bound by FCA conduct rules
• CSA membership: #901. As a member of the Credit Services Association, Restons is obligated to follow its code of conduct and best practice guidelines for debt collection

Are Restons Solicitors Under Investigation?

There is no publicly available evidence that Restons Solicitors is currently under investigation by the SRA, FCA, or any other regulatory body. Their SRA authorisation remains active, and they continue to operate as a regulated law firm. If you have concerns about their conduct in your specific case, you have the right to raise a formal complaint, and more on that later in this guide.

Restons Solicitors Reviews: What Do People Say?

Restons holds a Trustpilot score of 2.3 out of 5 based on 6 reviews, and a Google rating of 4.3 from over 1,700 reviews. This kind of mixed picture is typical for firms operating in the debt collection and legal recovery space. 

The nature of the work means responses tend to reflect the stress of the situation rather than the firm’s conduct alone. The reviews are broadly in line with what you would expect from a solicitors firm of this type. 

Are Restons Solicitors Bailiffs?

No. Restons Solicitors are not bailiffs, and receiving a letter from them does not mean bailiffs are coming to your door.

Being a law firm gives Restons certain advantages over standard debt collectors, most notably the ability to issue County Court claims directly. But solicitor status does not grant bailiff powers. Before any bailiff can legally visit your property, Restons would first need to obtain a County Court Judgment (CCJ) against you through the courts. Only after a CCJ is granted can they apply for a warrant of control, which is the court order that authorises a bailiff to act.

That process involves multiple steps: a formal letter of claim, a 30-day response window under the Pre-Action Protocol, a County Court claim, and then a judgment. None of which happens overnight or without your prior knowledge.

In short, Restons cannot send bailiffs simply because they are solicitors. They must follow the same legal process as any other creditor. If you respond to their letters and engage with the situation, court action is far from inevitable. 

What Is Their Relationship With the Original Creditor?

When Restons contacts you, they are almost never the company you originally borrowed from or owed money to. There are two ways they typically become involved.

1. Debt instruction: The original creditor, whether your bank, utility provider, or telecoms company, still owns the debt but has appointed Restons as their solicitors to pursue recovery on their behalf.
2. Debt purchase: The original creditor has sold the debt to a third-party debt purchaser, who has then instructed Restons to collect it. In this scenario, the debt purchaser is now the legal owner of what you owe.

This is why many people do not recognise the Restons name when a letter arrives. You may have had an account with NatWest, a PayPal Credit balance, or an unpaid Santander loan, none of which has “Restons” in the name. By the time Restons makes contact, the debt may have changed hands once or more.

Creditors and debt purchasers who commonly use Restons include:

• Banks and lenders: NatWest, Santander, PayPal Credit
• Utility companies: gas, electricity, and water providers
• Telecoms providers: mobile phone and broadband companies

The debts they pursue on behalf of these clients typically include credit cards, personal loans, bank overdrafts, utility arrears, and mobile phone or broadband contracts. If you have fallen behind on any of these at any point, that is most likely the reason Restons has made contact. 

Need Help To Deal with Your Debt?

There are debt solutions available in the UK that could help you take control of your debt. If you’re unsure which debt solution is right for you, fill out the online form below to get started. Once you submit the form, we’ll get back to you to help you find your options. 

We’re here to support you every step of the way. 

So, let’s get started…!  

 

Why Are Restons Solicitors Contacting You?

Receiving a letter or call from Restons can feel alarming, but their contact usually follows a predictable pattern. Here are the most common reasons they reach out: 

1. Missed payments: When you fall behind on a credit agreement, most creditors follow an internal collections process first. If that fails, they either sell the debt or instruct a firm like Restons to pursue it on their behalf.
2. The debt has been sold: The original creditor may have already sold your debt to a third-party purchaser, who has then appointed Restons to collect it. This is why the letter often arrives from a name you do not recognise.
3. A payment arrangement has broken down: If an existing repayment plan lapsed or went unpaid, the creditor may have escalated the matter to Restons to formalise recovery.
4. A formal pre-action warning. As solicitors, Restons is sometimes instructed specifically to issue a Letter of Claim under the Pre-Action Protocol, a formal 30-day warning that court proceedings may follow if the debt is not addressed.
5. A dormant debt now being pursued: Creditors periodically review older outstanding balances. A debt that has not been actively chased for some time may now have been passed to Restons as part of a fresh recovery effort.
6. Mistaken contact: Debt records are not always accurate. Restons may have been given the wrong address, outdated details, or incorrect personal information. If you do not recognise the debt at all, do not acknowledge it until you have requested proof. 

In all of these situations, the right response is the same: do not ignore the contact, but do not pay anything until you have verified the debt is valid, belongs to you, and is still legally enforceable. 

How Restons Solicitors Collects Debt: The Process

Having a good understanding how Restons operates helps you know exactly where you stand and what your next step should be at each stage. Here’s how they operate in general: 

1. Initial Letter. 

The process usually begins with a formal letter notifying you of the outstanding debt. This will include the amount owed, the name of the original creditor, and a request for payment or contact. Do not ignore this letter, as it starts the clock on the process.

2. Pre-Action Protocol: The 30-Day Window. 

If the initial contact does not result in payment or an arrangement, Restons will issue a Letter of Claim under the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims. This gives you 30 days to respond before court action can be taken. This window is important. It is your opportunity to dispute the debt, request proof, propose a payment plan, or seek debt advice. Ignoring it significantly increases the likelihood of court proceedings.

3. Follow-Up Contact. 

During and after the 30-day window, Restons may follow up by letter or phone. They are permitted to call between 8am and 9pm. You can request in writing that all further contact be made by post only, and they must comply under FCA rules.

4. Arranging Payment. 

If you engage with Restons during this stage, they will typically work with you to arrange payment in full or agree a repayment plan. This is the stage at which settlements and payment plans are most commonly agreed, before any court involvement.

5. Escalation: County Court Claim. 

If no payment or arrangement is made, Restons will issue a County Court claim directly. Unlike standard debt collection agencies, they do not need to instruct external lawyers to do this, making legal action faster and less costly for them than for most other collectors. You will receive court papers at your address and will have the opportunity to respond or defend the claim.

6. County Court Judgment (CCJ). 

If you do not respond to the court claim or the court rules in Restons’ favour, a County Court Judgment will be entered against you. A CCJ stays on your credit file for six years, making it significantly harder to obtain credit, a mortgage, or even a mobile phone contract during that period.

7. Enforcement After a CCJ. 

Once a CCJ is obtained, Restons can apply for one or more enforcement methods to recover the money:

• Attachment of Earnings Order: your employer is instructed to deduct a set amount from your wages each pay period
• Charging Order: the debt is secured against your property, meaning it must be repaid if you sell or remortgage
• Warrant of Control: a court-issued warrant that authorises enforcement agents (bailiffs) to visit your property and seize goods to the value of the debt

Reaching the enforcement stage is avoidable in the vast majority of cases. Engaging with Restons early, verifying the debt, and exploring your options before the 30-day window closes gives you the best chance of resolving the situation without court involvement. 

Do You Really Owe This Money?

Before you pay anything or even acknowledge the debt, you need to establish whether you actually owe it. This is not about avoiding a legitimate debt. It is about protecting yourself from paying something that is incorrect, unenforceable, or simply not yours.

How to Check

Review the details in Restons’ letter carefully. Ask yourself: do you recognise the original creditor? Does the amount match your records? Have you already paid this debt? Could it belong to someone else at your address? If anything feels unfamiliar, do not make any payment and do not acknowledge the debt in writing until you have requested formal proof.

Requesting Proof: The Prove It Letter

Under Section 77 and 78 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, you have the right to request a copy of the original credit agreement before paying anything. Write to Restons by recorded delivery and state:

“I am writing regarding account reference [your reference number]. Under Section 77/78 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, I request a true copy of the executed credit agreement for this debt, along with a full breakdown of how the current balance has been calculated. I do not acknowledge this debt until I have received the requested documentation.”

Restons has 12 working days to respond. If they fail to do so, they cannot enforce the debt through the courts until they comply.

Documents They Must Provide

• A true copy of the original signed credit agreement
• A full statement showing how the balance has been calculated, including any interest or charges
• Details of the original creditor
• Evidence that Restons has the legal right to collect the debt

Is the Debt Statute Barred?

In England and Wales, most unsecured debts become statute barred after six years. In Scotland, the limit is five years. For a debt to qualify, you must not have made any payment or acknowledged it in writing during that period, and no CCJ must already exist against you.

What Happens If a Debt Is Statute Barred?

Restons can still contact you and request payment, but they cannot take legal action to enforce it. Do not make any payment or acknowledge the debt in writing, as either action can restart the limitation clock and make the debt enforceable again.

Why Is Verification Important?

Verifying the debt confirms it is genuinely yours, ensures the amount is accurate, establishes whether it is still enforceable, and prevents you from accidentally restarting the limitation period. It is your legal right, and exercising it can significantly change the outcome of your situation. 

 

Do You Have to Pay Restons Solicitors?

Whether you are legally obligated to pay depends entirely on the nature of the debt and your specific circumstances. Here is how each situation breaks down.

1. If the Debt Is Valid and Affordable

If Restons can provide proof of the debt, the amount is accurate, and the debt is within the limitation period, then yes, you are legally obligated to pay it. The sensible approach is to engage with Restons early, agree on a payment method that works for you, and get any arrangement confirmed in writing before making any payment.

2. If the Debt Is Statute Barred

If the debt is older than six years in England and Wales, or five years in Scotland, and you have not made any payment or acknowledged it in writing during that period, Restons cannot enforce it through the courts. You are not legally obligated to pay. You can write to Restons stating the debt is statute barred and that you will not be making any payment. Do not acknowledge the debt beyond this, and do not make any payment, as either action can restart the limitation clock.

3. If They Cannot Prove the Debt

If Restons fails to provide the documentation you have requested within 12 working days, they cannot legally enforce the debt until they do. You are not obligated to pay anything until valid proof is supplied. Continue to withhold payment and do not acknowledge the debt in writing while you wait for their response.

4. If the Debt Is Not Yours

If the debt does not belong to you, you have no legal obligation to pay it. Write to Restons formally disputing the debt, clearly stating that it is not yours and requesting that they cease collection activity while the dispute is investigated. Include any evidence that supports your position, such as proof of identity or address history, and send the letter by recorded delivery.

5. If the Debt Is Valid but Unaffordable

If the debt is genuine but you simply cannot afford to pay it in full, you still have options. Ignoring Restons in this situation is the worst thing you can do, as it increases the likelihood of court action. Instead, contact Restons to discuss a repayment plan, or explore formal debt solutions that may reduce what you owe or protect you from further legal action. We cover both of those routes in detail further in this guide. 

What Can and Cannot Restons Solicitors Legally Do?

Here’s what Restons Solicitor agents can and cannot do when conducting debt collection practices:

What Restons CAN Do	What Restons CANNOT Do
Send letters, emails, and make phone calls regarding the debt	Contact you by phone outside of 8am to 9pm
Call you between 8am and 9pm	Send bailiffs without first obtaining a CCJ
Issue a County Court claim directly, without instructing external lawyers	Force entry into your home at any stage
Apply for a CCJ if you do not respond to court proceedings	Threaten immediate bailiff action before a court order exists
Apply for an Attachment of Earnings Order after a CCJ	Add unauthorised interest or charges beyond what the original agreement allows
Apply for a Charging Order against your property after a CCJ	Ignore a written request to communicate by post only
Apply for a Warrant of Control after a CCJ	Continue collection activity on a debt that has been proven statute barred
Request written communication only if instructed by you	Pursue a debt they cannot provide valid documentation for

 

What Happens If You Ignore Restons Solicitors?

Ignoring Restons is one of the most damaging things you can do in this situation. Because they are solicitors, they can move to court action faster and at lower cost than a standard debt collection agency. Silence is not a strategy here. The following are key consequences you my have to face in general if ignored debt:

Short-Term Consequences

You lose the 30-day Pre-Action Protocol window, your best opportunity to dispute the debt, request proof, or negotiate a resolution before any court involvement. Once that window closes without a response, Restons can proceed to issue a County Court claim without any further obligation to negotiate with you.

Long-Term Consequences

If you do not respond to the court claim, a CCJ can be entered against you without further warning. A CCJ stays on your credit file for six years, making it significantly harder to obtain credit, a mortgage, a phone contract, or in some cases even a tenancy agreement during that period.

Enforcement Risk

Once a CCJ exists, Restons gains access to enforcement tools that can directly affect your income and assets. Your employer could be instructed to deduct money from your wages, the debt can be secured against your property, and enforcement agents can be authorised to visit your home and seize goods. None of these outcomes require your agreement at that stage.

Is Ignoring Ever a Good Idea?

In rare circumstances, silence may be appropriate. If you have already established that the debt is statute barred, or that Restons cannot provide valid proof, you may choose not to engage further after sending a formal written response stating your position. Simply ignoring contact without taking any action is never advisable.

The earlier you engage, the more options you have. Responding to Restons does not mean agreeing to pay. It means keeping control of the situation before the decision is taken out of your hands. 

How to Stop Restons Solicitors Contacting You

If the contact from Restons is becoming overwhelming, there are several steps you can take, each serving a different purpose depending on your situation.

1. Written communication request: Under FCA rules, you can instruct Restons in writing to contact you by post only. They must comply. Send your request by recorded delivery and keep a copy.
2. Prove It letter: If you do not recognise the debt, send a written request for proof under Section 77/78 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. Collection activity should pause while they respond.
3. Formal dispute letter: If you believe the debt is not yours, the amount is incorrect, or the debt is statute barred, send a formal dispute letter setting out your reasons clearly with any supporting evidence. Restons must investigate before continuing collection activity.
4. Cease and desist letter: If Restons continues to contact you despite an unresolved dispute or after you have established the debt is unenforceable, you can instruct them to stop all contact. Any further contact after this point may constitute harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997. 

How to Complain About Restons Solicitors

Here what you can do in general:

• Step 1: Complain to Restons directly. Write to Trinity Chambers, 800 Mandarin Court, Centre Park, Warrington, WA1 1GG, or contact them on 01925 426100 or info@restons.co.uk. Include your reference number, dates, what happened, and your desired outcome. Restons has eight weeks to respond.
• Step 2: Financial Ombudsman Service. If Restons does not resolve your complaint within eight weeks, escalate to the FOS at www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk or call 0800 023 4567. It is a free, independent service.
• Step 3: Solicitors Regulation Authority. If your complaint relates to professional conduct, such as misleading behaviour or aggressive tactics, report it to the SRA at www.sra.org.uk/consumers/problems. You can contact the SRA and FOS simultaneously if needed. 

 

How to Set Up a Payment Plan With Restons Solicitors

Before contacting Restons, calculate what you can realistically afford each month by listing your income against all essential outgoings. Never propose a figure you cannot sustain.

Contact Restons as early as possible, ideally within the 30-day Pre-Action Protocol window. Present your offer, be prepared to negotiate, and do not feel obligated to accept their first proposal. Stick to what your finances genuinely allow.

Once an amount is agreed, get the full arrangement confirmed in writing before making any payment. The written agreement should confirm the monthly amount, the schedule, and that no further action will be taken while the plan is maintained.

If your circumstances change, contact Restons immediately rather than missing a payment. Most arrangements can be revised if you communicate proactively and provide updated evidence of your financial position. 

How to Make a Payment to Restons Solicitors

If you are ready to make a payment to Restons, there are several options available:

• Online: visit restons.co.uk and use your reference number to make a secure payment through their online portal
• Phone: call 01925 426100 to make a payment directly over the phone
• Direct debit or standing order: set up a recurring payment through your bank for agreed instalments
• Cheque: make payable to Restons Solicitors Limited and post to Trinity Chambers, 800 Mandarin Court, Centre Park, Warrington, WA1 1GG
• Restons app: download the Restons app to manage and make payments directly from your phone

Always keep a record of every payment you make, including the date, amount, and method used. If you are unsure of your bank details or payment reference, contact Restons directly before transferring any money.   

What Should I Do If My Debts Are Huge And I Cannot Afford To Settle Them?

Sometimes, it may be difficult to agree on a payment plan with your creditor or debt collection agency, particularly if the payments are financially overwhelming.

In such cases, you might want to explore potential debt solutions in the UK. There are several options available in the UK, each with its own eligibility criteria. Choosing the right option can help resolve your debt issues, but the wrong one may make your financial situation worse.

However, it is essential to seek professional advice before committing to any debt solution. A debt advisor can help you assess your situation and guide you in selecting the most appropriate option.

Some of The Key Debt Solutions Available in England, Northern Ireland, and Wales:

• Debt Management Plan (DMP): An informal arrangement where you make monthly payments toward your debts. There is no legal commitment, but your creditors may agree to reduce interest or freeze fees.
• Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA): A formal agreement where you make regular payments to creditors over 5 or 6 years. The remaining debt may be written off, but this solution has strict criteria.
• Debt Relief Order (DRO): Designed for individuals in severe financial distress, this option freezes interest and allows a year of no payments, potentially leading to debt resolution.
• Bankruptcy:  A formal legal process that can clear most debts if you are unable to repay them. Bankruptcy provides a financial reset, but it also has serious long-term consequences, including restrictions on your financial affairs and potential asset loss. 

Debt Solutions Available in Scotland

1. Protected Trust Deed: A formal agreement to repay part of what you owe over four years. The remaining debt may be written off afterward. It is legally binding and affects your credit rating. 
2. Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS): A government-backed scheme allowing you to repay your debts through a Debt Payment Programme (DPP) based on what you can afford. Interest and charges could be frozen, and creditors can’t take legal action. 
3. Sequestration (Scottish Bankruptcy): A formal insolvency process where most debts may be written off, but assets may be sold to repay creditors. It offers a fresh start but comes with serious consequences. 
4. Minimal Asset Process (MAP): A simplified form of bankruptcy designed for individuals with low income and few assets. It allows eligible debts to be written off after six months, provided the individual fully cooperates with the process. However, in practice, the process may take longer depending on the complexity of the case. MAP also offers lower fees and reduced administrative burden compared to full bankruptcy.

Caution: These debt solutions have both advantages and drawbacks, so it’s important to carefully weigh your options before making a decision.

Furthermore, if you are unsure which debt solution suits your situation, speak to a professional debt advisor. Free, independent advice services like MoneyHelper can help you assess your finances and find the best option for you. 

How Do I Contact Restons Solicitors?

If you need to get in touch with Restons Solicitors, here are all the ways you can reach them:

Contact Method	Details
Phone	01925 426100
Email	mail@restons.co.uk
Post	Trinity Chambers, 800 Mandarin Court, Centre Park, Warrington, WA1 1GG
Online	restons.co.uk
Online Account / Login	Log in or manage your account via restons.co.uk using your reference number
Opening Hours	Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:00am to 4:30pm. Wednesday: 8:00am to 6:00pm. Saturday and Sunday: Closed

If you are contacting Restons about a specific debt, have your reference number ready before you call or write. This is printed on any letter or correspondence you have received from them and will help them locate your account quickly. 

Where Can You Get Debt Help in the UK? 

If you’re struggling with debt, it’s important to get reliable, independent advice before making any decisions. In the UK, there are several services that can help you understand your options and find a solution that works for your situation. 

Among them, at Debt Advisory Services, we provide expert guidance and practical resources to help you explore all the debt solutions available in the UK and take control of your finances. 

Here’s why you can trust us for debt help:

• Expert Support: Our advisors review your financial situation carefully and guide you through options like Debt Management Plans (DMPs), Debt Relief Orders (DROs), IVAs, or other solutions, helping you find the most suitable approach.
• Comprehensive Resources: Learn about each debt solution, including eligibility, benefits, potential drawbacks, and how it may affect your credit record, so you can make informed decisions.
• Honesty and Integrity: We provide clear, ethical, and transparent advice. From assessing your debts to recommending the right solution, we support you every step of the way. 

Take the first step toward financial relief. Fill out the form below to speak with a qualified advisor and find the right debt solution for your situation today!  

[Important Note: For additional independent guidance, you can also access free resources from MoneyHelper, the UK’s official platform for managing debt and finances.]  

Final Thoughts

Receiving contact from Restons Solicitors can be intimidating, but it does not mean you have no options. The most important thing is to avoid panic and take the time to verify whether the debt is genuine, accurately calculated, and still legally enforceable. Because Restons is a regulated law firm with the ability to pursue court action directly, ignoring their letters is rarely the best approach.

If the debt is valid, engaging early can help you negotiate a manageable payment arrangement and potentially avoid further legal action. If the debt is statute barred, cannot be proven, or does not belong to you, you may have strong grounds to challenge it. Understanding your rights and acting promptly can make a significant difference to the outcome.

If your debts have become unmanageable, remember that professional help is available. Seeking independent debt advice and exploring the debt solutions available in the UK could help you regain control of your finances and move toward a more stable financial future. 

Key Takeaways

• Restons Solicitors is a legitimate UK law firm that specialises in debt recovery and is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).
• Restons is not a bailiff company and cannot send bailiffs to your home without first obtaining a County Court Judgment (CCJ).
• You should always verify that a debt is genuine before making any payment or acknowledging liability.
• You have the right to request proof of the debt, including a copy of the original credit agreement and a balance breakdown.
• A statute-barred debt is generally unenforceable through the courts if the legal time limit has expired and no CCJ exists.
• Ignoring letters from Restons can increase the risk of court action, a CCJ, and further enforcement measures.
• If the debt is valid, you may be able to negotiate an affordable payment plan directly with Restons.
• Restons must follow legal and regulatory rules and cannot harass you or misrepresent their powers.
• If you believe Restons has acted unfairly, you can complain to the firm, the Financial Ombudsman Service, or the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
• Free and independent debt advice is available in the UK if you are struggling to repay your debts or need help exploring debt solutions.

FAQ

1. Who owns Restons Solicitors?

Restons Solicitors Limited was founded in October 2005 by Christopher and Sara Reston, who are both currently based in Andorra. The firm operates from its registered head office in Warrington, Cheshire.

2. How long can Restons chase a debt?

In England and Wales, Restons can pursue a debt through the courts for up to six years from your last payment or written acknowledgment. In Scotland the limit is five years. After this point the debt becomes statute barred and cannot be enforced through legal action, though contact may continue.

3. Can an IVA stop Restons Solicitors?

Yes. Once an IVA is approved, all included creditors must stop direct contact, freeze interest, and cease legal action. To qualify you generally need £6,000 or more in unsecured debt, two or more creditors, and a regular income with some disposable income each month.

4. Will Restons Solicitors take me to court?

They can, and are more likely to than standard collectors because they issue claims directly without external lawyers. However, engaging within the 30-day Pre-Action Protocol window and agreeing a payment arrangement significantly reduces the likelihood of court proceedings being issued against you.

5. What is a CCJ from Restons Solicitors?

A County Court Judgment is a court order entered if you do not respond to proceedings or lose the case. It stays on your credit file for six years. If you pay the full amount within one month of the judgment, you can apply to have it removed entirely.

6. How do I negotiate a settlement with Restons Solicitors?

Restons typically accepts full and final settlements of 40 to 70 percent of the balance. Do not offer first. Start at 40 to 50 percent and explain your circumstances. Never pay until you have written confirmation from Restons that the amount clears the debt in full.

7. Is Restons Solicitors FCA regulated?

Not directly. Since 2015, debt collection by solicitors is no longer a regulated FCA activity. Restons falls under the Exempt Professional Firm category and is instead regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority under SRA number 425555, which sets its own conduct standards for the firm.