Break-ups and possessions

RosiPossum

Hi, not sure where to put this but will try here.
I met with a friend this weekend and realised I couldn't give her any accurate information about the law and her situation.

Her boyfriend and her lived together, then split after he had an affair.
He has collected his possessions from their shared flat, but also has things at her parents' house. His brother was supposed to meet her in the city and go to her parents' with her to pick up the stuff, but stopped replying to her the night before.
My question about this part is how long does she need to keep hold of his things for or can she just throw them out after making them available to pick up for weeks?

The second question is about direct debits. His car insurance was paid for by DD from her account. The insurance is in his name, she isn't named on it. She's notified him that she won't be paying it any more, and told him he needs to make arrangements. She then cancelled the DD about 28 days before the next payment is due. I said it might be sensible to speak to the insurance company to let them know, but I don't know if she could be chased for payments.
So the question here is if her ex doesn't notify the insurance company of the change of bank details, will my friend be liable for the direct debit when they try to take it and find it's been cancelled?

I can't really go into the situation more, half is irrelevant and I don't know the ins and outs. I'd really like some advice on the legal side of these things.

Many thanks in advance!

honeybean

Personally I would contact her ex and give him say 2weeks to collect his belongings but at a convenient time for her to be there or someone otherwise the items will be disposed off. As far as the insurance is concerned he has informed him that she has cancelled it and it it is now his problem. He did the dirty why should she make it plain sailing for him. Hope it all gets sorted. I would also change the locks on the property just in case .

RosiPossum

Thanks for replying. She's now back with her parents, so no worries as far as lock changing goes.
She's made them available for 2 weeks already, and has gone out of her way to try and get the stuff back to him (like staying over in the city so she can take the brother back in the morning) even though she's being messed around.
I'm hoping it works out okay, these things can get messy and really hope it doesn't.

wealdroam

RosiPossum wrote: »

She's made them available for 2 weeks already...

But has she formally stated what will happen at the end of those two weeks?

It really would be a good idea to actually state, in writing, that if the stuff isn't collected after 14 days then it will be disposed of.

pinkshoes

I would give him 28 days to collect, then inform him that after this time the items will be sold and he can have the cash raised. Any unsold items will be given to charity.

just sell them on facebook and ask for offers!

ThumbRemote

He has 6 years to collect them, or pursue her for the cost if she's got rid without following the proper process.


The link talks about a trader, but I believe it's just the same for personal goods. http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/wales/consumer_w/consumer_common_problems_with_products_e/consumer_lost_found_and_uncollected_goods_e.htm

barbiedoll

Tell her to make sure that she "financially dissociates" herself from him, especially if she has been paying his bills from her account. She should inform the credit reference agencies, and ensure that he doesn't have access to any money/overdrafts in joint accounts.

What sort of "stuff" are we talking about? Is it just small items, clothing, DVD's, or is it large items, like furniture?

I would write him a letter, send it recorded (signed for, keeping a copy for herself) saying that he has two weeks/a month to collect or else the stuff will be disposed of. She doesn't have to see him, he could arrange a time to collect from the doorstep.

She doesn't have to bend over backwards to accommodate him, especially if the stuff is at her parents' house. Maybe she should mention storage fees in the letter. If she can show that she has attempted to return his goods to him, I don't see that anyone would be able to prosecute her for disposing of them if he doesn't collect.

RosiPossum

barbiedoll wrote: »

Tell her to make sure that she "financially dissociates" herself from him, especially if she has been paying his bills from her account. She should inform the credit reference agencies, and ensure that he doesn't have access to any money/overdrafts in joint accounts.

What sort of "stuff" are we talking about? Is it just small items, clothing, DVD's, or is it large items, like furniture?

I would write him a letter, send it recorded (signed for, keeping a copy for herself) saying that he has two weeks/a month to collect or else the stuff will be disposed of. She doesn't have to see him, he could arrange a time to collect from the doorstep.

She doesn't have to bend over backwards to accommodate him, especially if the stuff is at her parents' house. Maybe she should mention storage fees in the letter. If she can show that she has attempted to return his goods to him, I don't see that anyone would be able to prosecute her for disposing of them if he doesn't collect.

It appears to be enough to clutter up the place but nothing high value. I'll pass on the advice or send her a link to this and hopefully she'll know what to do.
Thanks again to all for replying.

Hintza

ThumbRemote wrote: »

He has 6 years to collect them, or pursue her for the cost if she's got rid without following the proper process.

What a load of tosh.

adouglasmhor

ThumbRemote wrote: »

He has 6 years to collect them, or pursue her for the cost if she's got rid without following the proper process.


The link talks about a trader, but I believe it's just the same for personal goods. http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/wales/consumer_w/consumer_common_problems_with_products_e/consumer_lost_found_and_uncollected_goods_e.htm

Try posting what you actually know instead of what you believe.

WTFH

If she is paying for the insurance, then she should notify the insurer, not cancel the DD. The insurer does not know what is going on, so they will chase after the person who pays.