Dad - bankruptcy

SortingIt_2

Hello there,

I normally frequent the debt free board however I would like to ask you advice on a matter concerning my Dad if that is ok with you guys??

Basically he went through a rough time over the past few years and to cut a long story short, has no where to live and debts all over the place. Some of which I think have been passed to other companies (would these be bailiffs??) I have no idea as my debt has not come to this stage.

Anyway, he is 57, has no idea where to start, to be honest I don't think he is well enough to cope with any of it. I am really worried as he has been placed high on a the council list to get a home - he is currently sleeping on peoples couchs - and I am worried once he is housed he is going to be harrassed no end and it may send him over the edge. Everyone has been really good and put by all sorts of things such as tvs, fidges etc to help him when he moves but I am so scared that bailiffs will just come and take it all. I have no idea how it all works??

I want to try my best to start dealing with this now and really get him back on the straight and narrow. Would bankruptcy be an option for him?? I really am stuck at what to do, he is a scaffolder (not gonna last much longer at his age) and is already suffering with medical conditions and pain but he says he has to work - I am worried he is going to do himself some serious damage. He only earns when he works, he is with an agency and sometimes gets 5 days and then other weeks gets paid for 2 days....

I would gratefuly recieve any advice and take on board any comments given.

Thanks in advance

SI xx

Richard_S

SortingIt wrote: »

Hello there,

I normally frequent the debt free board however I would like to ask you advice on a matter concerning my Dad if that is ok with you guys??

Basically he went through a rough time over the past few years and to cut a long story short, has no where to live and debts all over the place. Some of which I think have been passed to other companies (would these be bailiffs??) I have no idea as my debt has not come to this stage.

Anyway, he is 57, has no idea where to start, to be honest I don't think he is well enough to cope with any of it. I am really worried as he has been placed high on a the council list to get a home - he is currently sleeping on peoples couchs - and I am worried once he is housed he is going to be harrassed no end and it may send him over the edge. Everyone has been really good and put by all sorts of things such as tvs, fidges etc to help him when he moves but I am so scared that bailiffs will just come and take it all. I have no idea how it all works??

I want to try my best to start dealing with this now and really get him back on the straight and narrow. Would bankruptcy be an option for him?? I really am stuck at what to do, he is a scaffolder (not gonna last much longer at his age) and is already suffering with medical conditions and pain but he says he has to work - I am worried he is going to do himself some serious damage. He only earns when he works, he is with an agency and sometimes gets 5 days and then other weeks gets paid for 2 days....

I would gratefuly recieve any advice and take on board any comments given.

Thanks in advance

SI xx

Sorting It,

Your first port of call should be one of the debt charities, they are free, their advice is impartial and their advisors are professionally trained. It's not in our place to say that bankruptcy is his best way out. It would certainly put an end to the problems that your Dad is facing but that does need to come from a professional.

Do you think you could persuade him to go with you to the CAB? Their specialist financial advisors are excellent and he may well be more receptive to them than listening to the advice you give him. Bankruptcy is a sensitive issue and some older people are horrified by the prospect but he really does deserve better than the quality of life he's enjoying at the moment.

Having said that, we're pushing 50yrs old and it's been a right old laugh for us Never had so many excuses to buy £1 birthday and christmas presents and get out of boring social invites.

Richard