CCJ judgement, now living abroad

purplestripes

Back in my student years (2004/5), when I was writing my dissertation, the property management company who I was renting my "study-unit" from decided to renovate their office. For about a month I put up with ridiculous noise (jackhammers, shouting workmen, etc) outside my window, and then decided I'd had enough and moved out. I had signed a lease to stay there for a further 4-months, but I thought they had breached to contract as my "study-unit" was not fit for study... so they took me to court.

I was lucky enough to have a parent that could afford a lawyer (at that time) so I passed the problem on to him and didn't worry about it as I was sure some sort of fair compromise would be reached. Then the lawyer forgot to turn up to the court case! Obviously I lost & was ordered to pay $2,230.

My parent told me not to worry about it and focus on my exams. So I cleverly ignored it for the following 6 years Turns out the debt was passed onto CCI Legal, who have sent letters to my parent over the years (who doesn't live in the UK either), my parent just didn't let me know!

I moved out of the country in 2007 (with no need to return). CCI Legal apparently took me to court again in 2008, though I wasn't in the country or aware of the court date.

1. Does that court order to pay stand if I wasn't in the country or even aware of the court date?

2. I am no longer living in the UK - can CCI Legal even pursue me abroad?

3. I have also read that after 6-years since the last acknowledgment of the debt, a debt is no longer allowed to be pursued - is that true?

I know I have been a fool for ignoring this right from the start - if I had taken an active part in the original court case it would probably have not been ruled against me.

I would really appreciate any advice you might have - it's time for me to face this problem!!

Asiacat

Hi,

The court order still stands even though you were not in the country at the time. If you haven't made any attempt to inform them of your new address they can send the papers to your last known address.

If they have obtained a CCJ then the debt will never become statute barred.

Whether or not they can or will even try to chase you depend on the country you have moved to. Some countries have reciprocal agreements with the uk on chasing debtors

purplestripes

Thanks Aisacat - Doesn't look great for me then I am in a country that has reciprocal debt collections agreements so I guess I will have to face it!

I wish I hadn't been so careless in the first place!