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Need help with unpaid debts.

I lost my job and my home 5 years ago, I did not know what to do and ended up moving and leaving it in the past. I have now got to a situation where my life is starting to look a little brighter. I don't know my current financial status. I am ever so worried on how I go forward, I don't know where to start. I would of thought I was made bankrupt but never managed to build up the guts to speak to any of my creditors.

1.I would like to know how I find out for def if I am bankrupt?
2. How to obtain a bank account without a credit check.
3. How I start to move forward if I am bankrupt?
4. How I start to move forward if I'm not bankrupt?

All advice greatly appreciated.

Thank you.
«13

Comments

  • Grey_area wrote: »
    I lost my job and my home 5 years ago, I did not know what to do and ended up moving and leaving it in the past. I have now got to a situation where my life is starting to look a little brighter. I don't know my current financial status. I am ever so worried on how I go forward, I don't know where to start. I would of thought I was made bankrupt but never managed to build up the guts to speak to any of my creditors.

    1.I would like to know how I find out for def if I am bankrupt? Easiest way is probably to get a statutory copy of your credit report (Equifax, Experian or Call Credit/Noddle) - any BR would be reported on any of these. Do note though that if you have not been declared BR, your creditors will have access to your current address.
    2. How to obtain a bank account without a credit check. Basic bank accounts are available from most banks if you are not BR which normally only involve an identity check. Note though that if you need to go BR, only Barclays and Co-op are BR friendly.
    3. How I start to move forward if I am bankrupt? You will need to contact the OR (Official Receiver) who was dealing with your BR (you won't be discharged until you do).
    4. How I start to move forward if I'm not bankrupt? Depends on the status of the debts - they may be statute barred if you haven't paid or acknowledged the debts within the last 6 years (5 in Scotland). They still exist, but unless one or more of the creditors have gained a CCJ in your absence then they can't take legal action against you although often creditors will have gained a CCJ against you prior to the debt becoming statute barred.

    All advice greatly appreciated.

    Thank you.

    Hope this helps.
    "Whether you think you can, or you think you can't -- you're right" - Henry Ford
  • Is there another way I can find if if I was made bankrupt 1st?
  • Grey_area wrote: »
    1.I would like to know how I find out for def if I am bankrupt?
    2. How to obtain a bank account without a credit check.
    3. How I start to move forward if I am bankrupt?
    4. How I start to move forward if I'm not bankrupt?

    1. You can check the bankruptcy register here now.
    2. If you are bankrupt only Barclays will allow you a basic bank account
    3. Contact the OR, the contact details will be found under 1 above
    4. Check your credit file here first
  • Grey_area wrote: »
    Is there another way I can find if if I was made bankrupt 1st?

    Yes here, our posts crossed

    select All Offices

    Please let us know the outcome for further advice
  • arcon5
    arcon5 Posts: 14,099 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    Isn't it quite rare for a creditor to make an individual bankrupt? So it's more than likely the creditors debts are still outstanding. I suspect an OR would have tracked you down at the time
  • arcon5 wrote: »
    Isn't it quite rare for a creditor to make an individual bankrupt? So it's more than likely the creditors debts are still outstanding. I suspect an OR would have tracked you down at the time

    it happens a lot more now than it used to...and if indeed a creditor did file bankruptcy the OR would usually try & speak to the person involved...if they could not be found the bankrupcy would remain undischarged till they say otherwise
    Friends help you move. Real friends help you move bodies.
    :p
  • fermi
    fermi Posts: 40,542 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker Rampant Recycler
    Depends on how you define "rare". It's more common than it was with some DCAs for example, but even with those it's usually when they have a good idea that you have something to go after in the bankruptcy; equity in a house etc....

    I would say still very unlikely in the OP's position, but you never know. Some creditors still do have an occasional moment of madness. Plus of course HRMC, councils, trade creditors somtimes just make you BR regardless. Even if it results in a big net loss for themselves.
    Free/impartial debt advice: National Debtline | StepChange Debt Charity | Find your local CAB

    IVA & fee charging DMP companies: Profits from misery, motivated ONLY by greed
  • Mouse1812 wrote: »
    1. You can check the
    2. If you are bankrupt only Barclays will allow you a basic bank account
    3. Contact the OR, the contact details will be found under 1 above
    4. Check your credit file here[/URL] first

    I have checked the bankruptcy website and my name does not appear on it. I don't want to do a credit check as I have to put my address details in and I don't want to do that as I don't know where I stand, I really could not do with the stress of what may come of it.
  • Is they any way of viewing my credit report without putting my address details in?
  • fermi
    fermi Posts: 40,542 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Combo Breaker Rampant Recycler
    No. I'm afraid not.
    Free/impartial debt advice: National Debtline | StepChange Debt Charity | Find your local CAB

    IVA & fee charging DMP companies: Profits from misery, motivated ONLY by greed
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