How long does bad credit last?

SamMoffatt28

I don't know if I am posting in the right place so please move it if you need to!
I was just wondering how long does it take to clear your name after getting into bad debt. About 7 years ago I got into a messy divorce and my ex hadn't paid the rent, council tax or anything else from the seems of it. He disappeared and left me to pay for everything as well as bring up 3 kiddies (all under 5 at that time) even though I was on benefits. I don't know if everything got paid off in the end although I paid everyone who contacted me by weekly installments. Last year I had a letter from vodafone for an outstanding bill from 7 years ago which I had no memory or no record of but they threatened me with court action so I gave in and paid it (it was about £150ish I think). I'm too scared to get in touch with the credit agencies such as experian in case I discover that there was more because I have just got my life straight and cannot afford to find out there are more unpaid debts. I guess that's pretty bad morally I know I should find out and come clean, but I now have 4 kids so you can guess why I don't want anymore of it. I never had any CCJ's so I was just wondering if I'm going to be blacklisted for ever or if I will be able to get out of it with time?

Thanks in advance
Sam

TAG

Defaults stay on your credit file for 6 years from the date they were entered. At the end of the 6 years they drop off your file regardless of whether they were paid or not. Same applies to CCJ's.

If you want to know exactly where you stand. Send a cheque for £2 to Experian and Equifax to get a copy of your credit file. Then you'll know.

By the way if any debts were in your ex's name only it's not your responsibility to pay them.

You can put a notice of disassociation on your file if your finances are no longer connected. i.e you have no joint accounts or debts in joint names.

Hope that helps you a bit.

Tag

TAG

BTW if you do get your credit reports and there is something on there and the said company hasn't contacted you. Personally, I'd let sleeping dogs lie. Up to you though.

Tag

SamMoffatt28

Thanks Tag!
Most of the debts were in either my name only or joint names - I guess he knew what he was upto better than I did! I'll bear in mind what you said and thanks for the reassurance!
Sam

digp

https://www.debthelpuk.co.uk/forum

SamMoffatt28

Ok here I am again with an update!

I have just been onto experian's website and have taken advantage of the 30 day free trial. I am very glad to say that nothing untoward was discovered and my credit rating is 'fair'. Phew I am so relieved. Thanks Tag I owe you one!

TAG

No problem glad I could help.

Here's to goin straight! :beer:

Tag

tango

TAG wrote:

Defaults stay on your credit file for 6 years from the date they were entered. At the end of the 6 years they drop off your file regardless of whether they were paid or not. Same applies to CCJ's.

If you want to know exactly where you stand. Send a cheque for £2 to Experian and Equifax to get a copy of your credit file. Then you'll know.

By the way if any debts were in your ex's name only it's not your responsibility to pay them.

You can put a notice of disassociation on your file if your finances are no longer connected. i.e you have no joint accounts or debts in joint names.

Hope that helps you a bit.

Tag

Do you know what happens after that default has dropped off your CRA

TAG

Is that a leading question?

Nothing once it's gone it's gone.

tango

TAG wrote:

Is that a leading question?

Nothing once it's gone it's gone.

Sorry what i meant if the all the money hasn't been paid back

TAG

Again nothing even if the money hasn't been paid back. Same applies to CCJ's.

If a debt collection agency registers the 'same' debt as well then again it will drop off 6 years from the date it was entered.

;-)