Going to prison! Outstanding debt?

biged670

Hiya everybody, in about a month or so my brother in law is going into prison. The problem is he has quite a bit of outstanding debt. He has a car on finance, credit card, loan, contract phone the usual really. What do you guys suggest he does regarding this debt? Obviously he can't pay it in Jail, and I don't think my Sister will be able to keep it all up. Has anybody been in this situation before? What is the best sollution? Any help is appreciated, thanks

bikerqueen

Is she named on the debts, are they joint? If so they will come after her for the money. If not, I'd suggest getting in touch with the creditors and making them aware of the situation. How long is he going in for?

lynsayjane

ooh and what did he do??

sorry i'm terribly nosey.

i'd second calling the creditors to explain the situation. perhaps the car company would be happy with the car back? will this stuff your sister? perhaps the phone could be cancelled...thats all the help i have i'm afraid.

jessicamb

part of it I guess will be how long he is in prison for. Maybe if its just for a couple of months the debt companies will freeze payments?

isgman

I would have a word with his solicitor or social worker (or the CAB) they should be able to give him some good advise. Good Look

Ryan.Maloney

There's a saying: If you can't do the time, don't do the crime

That's a stupid saying, that is.

lynzpower

Hang on- I didnt think you could go to Prison for debt? Could you tell us how it came to this??

Mike_St_Helens

Ryan.Maloney wrote:

There's a saying: If you can't do the time, don't do the crime

That's a stupid saying, that is.

Im sure biged670 will really appeiciate that comment, truly helpful. Idiot

Let_Robinson_Sing

tell him to keep up payments until he goes inside then contact the creditors and give them the following
1. His prisoner reference number
2. Prison that he will be in
3. Length of time that he will be in for

The creditors will probably wait until he comes out however in some cases probably dependant on the debt that it is may attempt to contact him in prison.

gingin_2

lynzpower wrote:

Hang on- I didnt think you could go to Prison for debt? Could you tell us how it came to this??

I thought that at first but I think he is going to prison for another issue and leaving debt at home which his wife won't be able to pay.

black-saturn

I would guess it will depend on if it was in joint names and how long the sentence is. If it's in joint names your sister will still be expected to pay it while he's away. If not she should contact the creditors and explain the situation. If he's only going to be away for a couple of months I guess he will start making over payments when he comes out but if it's years I'm not sure what they would do Maybe take a belonging from the house to cover the debt? As said above, a trip to the Citizens Advice Bureau might help.