BR, my Mum and HER assets

HiArt99

Hello,

on Tuesday I will be discussing BR with StepChange. They have already advised me that I should consider BR as an option as it will take nearly 20 years to become debt-free. I am certain that I will be going down this road.

I am primary (only) carer from my mum who is registered blind, over 86 and has several other health issues. My Mum lives with me, and her pension and benefits are the primary income as my only income is Carer's Allowance, apparently I don't qualify for any other assistance, I have checked.

Nearly all the assets in the house are either my Mum's or my brother's from when he used to live with me some years back.

Now to my question.

My Mum is very worried that the Bailiffs will seize her assets when they come to appraise mine. Most of these are wedding presents (over 60 years old) or presents from my Dad, there is no way she could provide any evidence that the assets are her's and not mine.

We are considering renting some storage in Mum's name and moving her assets (only, nothing of mine) so they are not available for assessment when the "boys" come round.

Is this really necessary? It is going to cost a small fortune to do this! Whilst I will discuss this with StepChange, I'd like to reassure my Mum as quickly as possible.

Thanks

PippaGirl_2

Bailiffs don't come to the house to appraise anything when you go BR. Normal household goods are exempt and they only want to know what YOU own, only things of value like jewellery or antiques, not normal things. If they are your mothers, then they are nothing to do with the BR.

Are you not entitled to income support as you are in rceipt of carers allowance? Do you get council tax relief at least? I would be surprised if you were not entitled to anything else unless you have savings or another property etc.

HiArt99

Thanks, that helps loads!

I get council tax relief, but that was reduced this year due to budget cuts.

Resigned to moving to social housing, which wouldn't be a bad thing. I may be able to get more assistance then.

[Deleted User]

If you can afford it, it might be an idea to do a Statutory Declaration, listing those items that belong to you, and stating all other items belong to other people.

One word of warning.

DON'T LIE ON THE SD.

phoebe67

When you go BR they don't come and search your house (presuming it's a private BR and not linked to a company etc).
I was even allowed to keep my car, as it was essential to transporting my disabled children. Your mum's stuff won't be included, I'm sure.
Phoebe.

debt_doctor

Hi,

I echo Pippa's words.

You do not need to list any of your mums things on the BR forms nor any of your household items unless they are of outstanding value.

DD

arcon5

Seems like you've worked yourself up over nothing.

Nobody visits your home to find your treasure. In fact the vast majority of cases the only face to face contact is when you take your petition to the county court - interviews are often conducted over the telephone.

HiArt99

Thanks folks.

arcon5, not so much working myself up but Mum working herself up; she is one of life's natural born worriers. If Mum had nothing to worry about, she'd worry about that!

I do have a lot of negative emotions I have to overcome at the moment, I'm sure folks on this board can emphasise: feeling like a failure, a total waste of space, etc. This is just the initial "shock" and whilst I am culpable for some of this situation, unexpected redundancy due to ill health, an even more unexpected separation and very poor financial advice are bigger factors in arriving at where I am now. This will settle down over the next few days as I rationalise things.

Anyway, phoning StepChange in a few moments to get the process started. I think, when I look back on this, the end of an unequal battle to stave this off and the stress this has caused will turn out to be the best thing I have ever done.

luvchocolate

Hi...we mums worry, that's what we do, we would do anything to make everything ok for our children no matter how old they are.
When i had a meeting with my trustee he told me it the that best thing I could do, I felt it was the only thing I could do after trying everything else.
This board has given me tremendous support both practically and emotionally. Keep reading and learning, we will be here at every step of the way xx