Baliffs etc

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jen0dorf
jen0dorf Posts: 91 Forumite
in Bankruptcy & living with it
Hi

apologies if this is not the correct forum.

My son has split with his partner - in reality she has locked him out of their rented home.

They have debts of around £8000 which I suspect they have no easy means of paying including Council Tax, electricity, gas, rent etc etc.

It looks like he will be moving in with my wife and I for the forseeable future.

If a Baliff/Debt Collector calls are they allowed entry to my home and can they seize my property - like most people I do not have receipts for everything purchased over the last 45 years of marriage.

Do I let the baliffs in out of politeness or just send them away

Would appreciate any advice as this is a new expereice for both my wife and I

thanks

Ian

Comments

  • McKneff
    McKneff Posts: 38,823 Forumite
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    No, dont let them at all.
    make the most of it, we are only here for the weekend.
    and we will never, ever return.
  • National_Debtline
    National_Debtline Posts: 7,998 Organisation Representative
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    Hi Ian,


    First of all, it would be better if you move this thread into Debt Free Wannabe (this thread specialises in bankruptcy queries which are unlikely to give you the responses you want).

    But to answer your question, most bailiffs only have the right of peaceful entry - this means they can enter through open or unlocked access, or by your invitation. So, normally I would advise you not to let them in and to make sure all of the doors are locked and secured. This advice can be compromised if the bailiffs gained entry previously to your son's home and made a valid controlled goods agreement. This is something you need to discuss with him and get full advice from one of the free debt charities if this has happened.


    Bailiffs should only take the liable person's goods for the debt. If they can't get inside, you don't need to worry about receipts at all. But you need to be careful about goods outside the home and proving ownership. If you and your wife have cars you will need to prove they are yours with a receipt (realistically from a car dealership - the log book is not enough) otherwise you will need to hide them as a precaution.


    It also sounds like your son needs full advice about his options to deal with the debt to try and minimise action from bailiffs and other creditors. Post again in DFW and I am sure you will get more responses. Good luck,


    Laura
    @natdebtline
    We work as money advisers for National Debtline and have specific permission from MSE to post to try to help those in debt. Read more information on National Debtline in MSE's Debt Problems: What to do and where to get help guide. If you find you're struggling with debt and need further help try our online advice tool My Money Steps
  • Comms69
    Comms69 Posts: 14,229 Forumite
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    jen0dorf wrote: »
    Hi

    apologies if this is not the correct forum.

    My son has split with his partner - in reality she has locked him out of their rented home.

    They have debts of around £8000 which I suspect they have no easy means of paying including Council Tax, electricity, gas, rent etc etc.

    It looks like he will be moving in with my wife and I for the forseeable future.

    If a Baliff/Debt Collector calls are they allowed entry to my home and can they seize my property - like most people I do not have receipts for everything purchased over the last 45 years of marriage.

    Do I let the baliffs in out of politeness or just send them away

    Would appreciate any advice as this is a new expereice for both my wife and I

    thanks

    Ian
    Your son simply need to return to his home. They have exactly the same legal rights to be there
  • debt_doctor
    debt_doctor Posts: 4,595 Forumite
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    Comms69 wrote: »
    Your son simply need to return to his home. They have exactly the same legal rights to be there
    Hi, providing they are joint tenants then that is completely true.
    Also either party can terminate the agreement, which will terminate the agreement for both parties.
    On a practical basis, if the relationship has clearly broken down it is hard to live in the same space - but does happen sometimes.

    Back to bailiffs, bailiffs cannot come around till someone has been taken to court, ended up with a judgement, and the judgement not paid.
    Then you simply keep the doors and windows locked and don't let them in.
    As said, your son needs debt advice on his situation.
    DD
    Debt Doctor, Debt caseworker, Citizens' Advice Bureau .
    Impartial debt advice services: Citizens Advice Bureau Find your local CAB *** National Debtline - Tel: 0808 808 4000*** BSC No. 100 ***
  • jen0dorf
    jen0dorf Posts: 91 Forumite
    Options
    Thanks for the advice, regretably my son is not in a frame of mind to take advice but I will try

    thanks

    Ian
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