It's started...and it's not as bad as I feared

custard_cream_3

Well, I visited my local court on Wednesday to hand my forms over, and have my appointment with the judge on Monday morning. As expected, the court staff couldn’t have been nicer; courteous, sympathetic and not at all disapproving. They also went out of their way to reassure me about Monday, saying that the judge wouldn’t be out to make me feel bad, and that it would be a very informal 5 minute meeting.
What has surprised me since is the treatment I’ve received from my creditors when I’ve explained my situation to them. Without fail, they’ve all offered their condolences and have treated me like a human being. I was particularly impressed with O2 who offered to lower my monthly tariff by £25 without extending my contract beyond its current terms. BT have also been great, suggesting I change the contract into my wife’s name, and allow any money owed up to date to be included in my bankruptcy, as that would ensure my telephone number doesn’t change.
I’m sure there’s some element of commercial common sense coming into play, but the people at the end of the phone have all been so kind that it help makes a horrible situation a little bit less awful.

dalip

I must say i had similar treatment both before and after i was declared. I think a lot depends on "who" your creditors actually are.Dx

Dunpayin

Hi CC

I've had the same experience. Court, OR new bank accounts, all really helpful. I guess if the creditors are big companies or banks, then the people we deal with are just doing their job, with no vested interest. Debt collection agencies and smaller creditors with more to lose are more likely to be the nasty ones.
Like you say, it will be commercial common sense, but it makes a change being helped rather than hassled!

So_Sad_Angel

I think that the current `debt/credit crunch` issues have highlighted that there is so much more debt around that people first imagined & that it is far more accepted that people will get into problems....especially with rising job losses & lack of further credit.

I really get this feeling that the perception of financial difficulties has changed even since a year ago!

Also I believe that the Banks/Mtge Co`s have been instructed by the Government to be much more sympathetic with their customers & help them more & this is becoming apparent.

I have found Northern Rock much more approachable & helpful since October than they were in May...I now actually call them to give them an update!!

Angex