Vultures at the door

gnashers

Last year I lost both my parents and got lumbered with the cost of funerals and other expenses (to go to my parents to sort things out etc ran up debts of several thousand) which left me unable to meet my other creditors.

I have managed to keep up mortgage and rent payments (I live in shared ownership property), council tax, utilities. I am not over my overdarft at the bank.

I am in line for a 3rd share of my late parents estate which will clear all my debts and leave plenty left over.

Problem is I have the wolves at the door.

I have got behind on 1 loan and 3 credit cards. I think paying off funeral costs more important (I know that is stupid but...).

The family solicitor has said that he is willing/prepared to tell the firms I owe money to that all debts will be honoured in due course.

Non will take this into consideration nor will any of them approach the solicitor for confirmation.

I have offered reduced payments but have been refused in each case despite explaining the situation etc.

I am past the threatening letter stage. The wolves now want immediate payment or court action. The companies I owe money to have passed the debt over to debt collectors.

My late parents house is now sold (I believe) which ties up the last oustanding bit of their estate and I expect my share any week now.

Can anyone advise me as to what I can do to keep the wolves at bay for a few more weeks or so.

Any help would be most welcome and appreciated.

All in all I owe about £25,000

sandstorm_3

My hart goes out to you. I know people here will have the answers for you, and it’s not bad as you think. Things will work out ok.

sarahlouise210

When my Uncle died and we arranged the funeral we just said the costs would be paid from the state and gave the solicitors number - we did this for the funeral and the wake afterwards ......no-one asked for any money up fron. Could you not explain to the furneral directors that they will receive payment when you receive money from the estate??

itsarichmansworld

:grouphug:

Sorry to hear of your loss I think if your inheritance is on its way maybe and idea to write to all your creditors and let them know rather than over the phone.

Is the inheritance enough to pay off your debts?

hypno06

I was in a similar situation to you last year so sending hugs over right now.

I had a DCA hassling me every day that we were awaiting the sale of the house to go through. However, they did accept the solicitor's letter that we provided.

Provide the various bods with an appropriate letter from the solicitors who are acting in the estate and at the same time tell the creditors that the hassle they are giving you is unlawful under the relevant Act (sorry, don't know which it is but someone will be able to provide you will this later on I am sure, or the solicitors will let you have details, or type in "harrassment" on the search on this site and it will give you previous relevant threads.

If they do not take this and b*gger off, then take it to the OFT. You will find them very helpful and sympathetic in a situation like this.

Also, although the funeral needs paying, undertakers are very understanding and if you explain that the house sale will settle it in a few weeks time, they should be fine - they are used to situations like this and can hold on a few weeks longer.

Good luck, and do let us know how you are getting on.

CLAPTON

i'm very surprised that your solicitor didn't advise you to approach your parents' bank. nearly every bank will release funds before probate to pay funeral costs against an invoice from the funeral directors.

hypno06

CLAPTON wrote:

i'm very surprised that your solicitor didn't advise you to approach your parents' bank. nearly every bank will release funds before probate to pay funeral costs against an invoice from the funeral directors.

Only if there are available funds in the account generally. When my Dad died, he didn't have enough at the bank to allow this so we had to rely on the house selling and paying the funeral bill when the proceeds came through.

Funeral directors though by their very nature are understanding bods so they will help out, I am sure. It is the creditors that are not so understanding of real life.

gnashers

Many thanks one and all. I think the harrassment bit could be worth persuing and also putting things in writing to the companies concerned.

Answer to one question..I will be debt free when inheritance comes through.

I am tempted to take the irresponsible view and say...take me to court and do your worst.... I do not foresee that I will need credit ever again after all this is over and therefore do not mind adverse credit score.

Many thanks all.