Letters from the court mean your mortgage lender has applied to repossess your home.

But there are things you can do to keep your home.

1. As your first step:

• get free debt advice and legal help

• look at your income, spending and other debts

• work out a repayment plan you can afford

• decide what to do if you cannot pay back the arrears

2. To get ready for court:

• read all the court documents

• return the defence form

3. When you arrive at court:

• get there early and ask for the usher at reception

• ask for the duty adviser if you do not have legal representation

• bring as much evidence as you can and notes about what you want to say

• do not feel pressured to agree to repayments you cannot afford

4. During the hearing:

• wait for your turn to speak and do not interrupt

• be polite when you answer any questions from the judge

• show how you can repay your arrears within your mortgage term

• ask for time to sell if you cannot make a repayment offer

Read the steps in the guide for more detail.