Completing Petition

Lisa55_2

Hi,

Following previous advice from the forum (thank you), I have been to CAB and they arranged 30 min meeting with the debt adviser who said BC would be the best option. Also call insolvancy helpline, they also suggested BC.

I have started to complete the forms, please could you let me know what you think about the following:

Last page of form - when did you have problem paying debts - I had been making the payments from my savings and took payment breaks but now I've nearly used my savings. Should I put July 2008? Or date husband left and income lower than expenses?

I went on holiday to Spain in June - will OR have a problem this - it was booked in Feb.

I have about 7 bank accounts! 2 closed (joint accounts) 3 unused savings accounts and current account for wages and little used barclays account. Will I need to get statements for all accounts?

I will go to the high court, does anyone know how long I have to wait once I file the petition? And how long until the OR meeting.

Thank you

blueopal5577

My two-pence worth:

Id be honest, I'd say that you had been making payments from savings / used payment breaks but in hindsight the fundamental start was when your husband left. If you put July 2008 with no other explanation my thoughts would be its hasty to file so quickly, has she really thought about this. Id give them the overall picture, you've been balancing for a while, and this is when it came to a head.

Holidays, explain it was booked and paid for. Stress of debts meant you needed holiday. I've learnt of people who did big tropical holidays pre-BR and got away on health reasons! Not recommended but u get my drift.

We're all human, they'll see that. But dont put on a front with them, be honest about how BR is affecting you. Seeing the human side of an individuals case can only increase their sympathy and understanding. OR's vary but they all seem to have a degree of discretion, let them use it for your benefit.

I dont know about the statements issue.

I dont know about the high court either! lol (Im not much help!) everywhere has a different process. You can call and ask though. Where I am in Oxford the system is you call, the OR calls you on the phone, you meet with the judge, all within 2 weeks! Obviously if they get a load of petitions in it slows for a bit. You need to know whether ur OR meeting is on the phone or in person.

Call, ask... they'll have heard it all before.

fiveyearplan

Regarding the High Court, as soon as you are ready you just turn up on the day. Get there early and the first place you go is to pay your fees then go to where you file your petition. I was the first one there to file petition when they opened but I forgot to pay my fees. THe fee paying place is on the complete opposite side of the building down a spiral staircase etc. In the end I got back and not many people were in front of me but soon the queue was out the door.

They also have a volunteer service where someone will hold your hand throughout the process. Google Royal Courts of Justice and you will find it, or ring them they are friendly.

Once you've filed petition they tell you to come back at 2:00. If things are straightforward you pick up your paper and go home. THe OR will phone you within a few days (I think it was a week before he phoned me). The phone conversation was just a few minutes because I had to go in for a face to fact interview (over 2 hours ugh!). Now they are getting my paperwork ready for early discharge.

fermi

Just supply the OR with the statements you do have for the accounts. If the OR needs any you don't have then they will get them from the banks direct.

PixiePie describes her day at the High Court in this thread: Pixie's London Experience

fiveyearplan

I read Pixie's London Experience before I went and I must say it was a very good likening of events except 3 things had changed by April when I went BR. Firstly the place where you pay your fees isn't 2 doors down anymore its on the complete other side as I described above. Yes, the mountain goat bit was spot on! Secondly, when you're back on your way to the place to hand in your petition, the first turn is a 90 degree left. Thirdly, only certain circumstances requires you to go to the OR's offices on the same day. You get a slip of paper that details these circumstances (if I remember I think its if you have possessions that are vulnerable or if you ran a business within the last 3 months or something) so most people don't need to go to the OR's offices on the day. This information was accurate as of April 4th - things of course could have changed.