Claim for Possession sorted - onto the next Chapter :)

Rumpleteazer_2

Does anybody really think I need representation (from CAB or Shelter) with me in court? I don't know if having anybody there who knows the law would be a good idea that's all, I don't want to find myself backed into a corner....I'd probably sit there and burst into tears, haha (kidding)
xx

If you can get representation at court then I would say take it. I don't know if CAB/Shelter would attend, but no harm in asking.

Also, did you know you can get half an hour free legal advice?

TotallyBroke

I don't think you will need anyone with you. For me there was just me, the Judge and a solicitor for Woolwich oh and someone typing notes I think. The solicitor said his legal bit about what they were applying for. The Judge then read through a few papers and then asked me questions. We then had to wait outside for a while. He called us back in and told us his verdict.
The Judge will have papers from the landlord so they will be out of date when it comes to the figures. When it comes to your turn to speak, show them your records of payments and tell them that the arrears are almost paid. Do not offer to pay more than the original £85 if you can get it for less then ask the Judge to take that into consideration.

Forgot, when I went to court there was a legal person there that explained who would be in the room and what would basically happen. The court person (the one you give your name to) can point you in that direction. I can't remember if they would come in with me or not. I think they asked if I wanted them to but I can;t remember. I went on my own anyway

bumblebee87_2

i think seeing as you now only have £162 left to pay, no judge in their right mind will evict you, well done for making the payment, now work out how many weeks/months it will take you to make the overpayments to clear the arrears. if you could have say, 3 very thrifty weeks to clear it off, then do it! what is 3 weeks when it will save you this worry?

MissConfused_2

Firstly - Rumpleteaser, nope I didn't know I could get 30 minutes free, is that with any solictor do you know? I have got it in my diary to phone Hegarty on Friday (when they open), so that's good to know.

TotallyBroke - I will be fine on my own! I think I am just scared about it all to be honest. Not an ideal situation. I've had a permanent headache since I had the papers through. I'll be glad when it's all over. So, if they judge says I have to pay the rent plus £5 a week, I guess I don't offer to over pay?

Bumblebee - thats what I'm hoping also. That he/she will be slightly compassionate. I will be able to clear the arrears totally on the 9th Jan (I get paid weekly and am due 2 weeks on the 9th), so if I put that to him/her also, I'm hoping it'll be okay and it will be accepted?

The HA have said that they are going for a Suspended possession, I don't think they want the house back, just a guarantee they are going to get their money, which is fair enough I guess. Thanks

TotallyBroke

If they say normal amount plus £5 extra then snap their arm off. Do not offer to overpay at all ever. Do not tell them that you could pay off all the arrears on the 9th.
Once you have done your soa for the month of January and February including a years insurance, the car tax and a realistic amount for the MOT then if you have anything left at the end of Feb pay off some more. Remember by then the court debt will have finshed so that'll be a bit more cash. Just make sure you stick to whatever the agreement is but it should not be more than the amount you are paying now.

If your insurance is up in February have you started looking at online quotes via quidco. See if you can get a better deal than last years quote and also earn cashback.

MissConfused_2

TotallyBroke wrote: »

Do not tell them that you could pay off all the arrears on the 9th.

I think I may have dropped myself in it as far as clearing the arrears go, as I sent an email to the HA telling her exactly that - Oops, I also attached my latest receipt of payment, and was going to drop it all in the Court later or tomorrow morning, so the Judge has the latest figures.

No, I haven't done my insurance quotes yet, I usually leave everything to the last minute. I'll have a look on Quidco later, I've heard that site mentioned, but have never known what it was before. I'll give it a go

TotallyBroke

Ok what's done is done. It's not the end of the world.

On the 9th I'm guessing you will get paid approx £500 for two weeks work. So out of that you will have to pay normal rent £??? and £163 arrears. You said earlier you will also pay £96 ? to pay off the court fine. Which is good it's one less to worry about.

Once you have done a soa and meal plan up until payday you will see what you have left. Then you can work out a realistic plan for January.

MissConfused_2

Yeah, my normal rent is £68.05, so I'll have that, plus £163 plus £96 = 327. I will get £540 for 2 weeks, minus 3 days (christmas, boxing and NY) so whatever that is. Also the remainder of this £225 unless I transfer it to another account. The judge may not ask me to pay the arrears in full, he might be okay with the £85...I think id rather it was up to date and paid, but obviously I don't want to be caught short, else I'll be back on here!

milliemonster

I don't think the judge will ask you to pay it back in full in one go, you have done so well to clear as much as you have already so I really think when this goes to court the judge is just going to laugh at the HA and wonder what they are playing at

Rumpleteazer_2

Firstly - Rumpleteaser, nope I didn't know I could get 30 minutes free, is that with any solictor do you know? I have got it in my diary to phone Hegarty on Friday (when they open), so that's good to know.

To be honest I'm not sure if this applies to all solicitors or whether it is a scheme that they opt into. I suggest you call one of your local ones and ask them. My understanding is that you are not under any obligation to use them afterwards, but I would check this out before you commit to an appointment.

Good luck!