Notice of intention to commence legal proceedings....living abroad

davehulks

Hi, was wondering if anyone could clear something up for me......

To cut a long story short, I live abroad now, but was recenetly contacted about some outstanding debt in the UK with an estate agent as a result of taking a house off the market (HIP - £468).

I immediately informed said estate agents that I would have trouble paying this amount. A week later a second letter arrived entitled "Notice of intention to commence leagal proceededings" in which they onw claim £612 with no explantion of the rise in the debt. They state "if you ignore this notice a claim form will be issued in the county court" and a new total of £682 will be applicable.

So..... what does this letter actually mean legally? Do they have a right to increase the amount owed by approx £150?!

From what I can see they can't issue a court claim against me as u'm not resident in the UK.

Any advice or personal experience on how to proceed would be greatly appreciated, thanks!!!

Tixy

Hi

You should contact them for an explanation of the increase in the debt. They are allowed to add on court fees but I would think it was too soon to that yet.
I believe they could still get a CCJ against you in your absence. Depending on where you live now some countries have reciprocal agreements with the UK so you could still be chased. Even if you are not in such a country they may seek to obtain a CCJ which they could then enforce if you returned to the UK.

Can you not come to an agreement to pay the £468 in monthly installments that you can afford? That is what I would try to do.