County court, what to expect?

Mistibee

To make a long story a bit shorter, due to personal reasons of marriage break up and Ex going AWOL, the family home is going to be repossessed. Santander have been really unhelpful and yesterday I get court papers through for Northampton for 16th may.I am still looking for a rental property at present, for myself and my 2 children aged 15 and 17, due to myself working nights I have been pipped at the post by a few tenants for nice , affordable property, but I need to stay optomistic!!! The court paperwork needs to be sent back or done online inthe next 14 days, which I can do, what can I expect on the day? I will be going alone, although it does say to take a solicitor? Is it a big winded affair like on the Tv in court? and how long does it take? Do I need to wear really smart clothes or just casual? Any help would be appreciated, many thanks:rotfl:. Some people who have been repossessed where I work said they never even bothered to turn up at court? Im CONFUSED!!!!!!!!!!

opinions4u

Talk to a debt charity such as CAB or Shelter.

Thrugelmir

The judge will take into the fact you have no representation. So will explain to you any legal points in laymans terms.

Do you intend defending the case?

Don't blame the bank. As its not their problem to solve. May sound harsh but true.

ACG

Are you happy for it to reposessed? I know that sounds like a daft question, i dont mean happy in the sense of being happy about it but are you accepting its inevitable or do you intend to fight for it?

I would go anyway, just so that you know whats going to happen as soon as possible.

If you intend to fight it, then you need to take records of calls, discussions, letters, emails any correspondence you have had where you have tried to resolve the situation - whether that be extending the term changing to part repayment part interest only and they have rejected it.

You can go dressed however you want...imagine some of the chavs that go to court, they will have seen worse than whatever you will probably wear. Personally i just wore a shirt, trousers and shoes - i never put a full suit on.

The first time i went to court it was done and dusted within about 5 minutes, i couldnt believe it - edited highlights of judge judy last longer than that!

Mistibee

Thanks for all your replies, no I dont intend to dispute or fight for my case, I need to think about myself and the children, and im getting really stressed about the situation. So I intend to hand back the keys before the baliffs come in, and deal with the consequences when the shortfall letter from santander lands on the doormat............

ACG

I dont mean to kick you whilst your down because ive had family in a similar situation albeit they managed to sell the house before it came to that so i can imagine what its like.

Handing the keys back/having the house reposessed will affect you for a long time, a mortgage application asks if you have ever had a house taken back - so i understand your thoughts at the moment but think about the future too.
If you have the house up for sale then they may allow you to remain in the house - as you will get more for it being in there than you will if it goes to auction.
Would a cash buyer allow you to clear the mortgage?

Voyager2002

Top priority: talk to Shelter!

Remember that if you want to attend the court hearing you can easily get it transferred to your local court.