Help me sort out my Parents Debt Crisis

andyse13

Ooops - also , may be being stupid as can see the wood for trees at the mo - can anyone suggest how I can sell some of their bulky items very very quickly? Bootfares are no good for highervalue items and ebay no good for large items. He has a decent laptop that can go, hardley used bike, Spare TV, DVD etc etc and more

Would anyone reccomend cash converters? Never really used before and not sure if an option?

Any suggestions how shift hundreds of dvds & CD's in one go also - He has tons?

Crown

Good luck mate, just to let you know they will probally book you an appointment and may not be able to deal with it right then and there. They normally have a debt counseller call you back

Crown

I would wait and see what the CCCS advise. It is a tough time for your dad at the moment and getting rid of his posessions at this stage isnt going to make a great dent in the debt. give it a little time and then maybe start wit hthe DVDs on Ebay.

I wouldnnt touch cash converots asthey pay rip off prices

andyse13

I just called them - They wont discuss my parents details without their permission - Will have to travel down there later this morning - Just need to get the letter off to the rip off debt management agency telling them to stick it as again they wont deal with me on the phone!! Makes me laugh - Apply for credit when your already in debt - No problem but try and do anything that affects data protection and you hit a brick wall.

jude47

Hi Andy - You have a tough task ahead, but it CAN be done. Everyone here is with you all the way. I know CCCS would talk to you if one of your parents booked the appointment and gave verbal authority for CCCS to speak to you. If you're seeing your parents today, get them to call today. They need help and CCCS are, I know from personal experience, the best!

Good luck and keep posting!

boadicea_2

Hi Andy,

What a rotten situation, I wish you the best of luck.

Looking at your original post I would guess that a lot of the debt is either directly or indirectly due to gambling and alcohol addictions (I don't mean to sound harsh). It may be an idea to get them both involved with Gamblers Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous.

In Spain, family can obtain a court order when a member has a gambling addiction, giving them control of their assets and finances. It sounds harsh but is intended to protect the addict from themselves, as they are there own worst enemy. Could you set up something similar in the UK? (Forgive me if I'm out of order, I work in a casino and sadly see the effects of gambling all the time...)

gollygosh

you seem to be doing everything you can at the moment, i'd definitely go along with others comments, make them speak to cccs to give permission for you to take control if thats what you really want. but must admit i'd want some pretty strong re-assurances about quitting the slot machines and not heading down this path again. always assuming you can prevent disaster this time of course!

jo1972

Wow, what a huge thing to have to deal with.

Just wondered, you say that a lot of direct debits have been returned so I'm presuming they will have paid quite a few bank charges. I think when you've time (:eek:) write to the banks involved and get copies of statements and get started on reclaiming the charges. There's a link on the main MSE board telling you how to do it with sample letters etc. You can also claim charges back from credit cards and loans as well.

Good luck, I hope you can get things sorted out for them.

Jo.x

misspoppy

Hi

I can't really offer you any advice as I think this is one for professionals but I do want to send you a hug and wish you all the best. Please keep coming back here to rant and keep us informed its going to be very stressful for you. I think you need to take all their cards off them and give them cash for the time being but as they have alchol and gambling issues this is going to be very difficult.

When you do get chance be sure to look up the family support groups for the AA and gamblers anon.

take care

Crown

I dont remember the OP mentioning any Gambling or Alcohol issues although alcohol was mentioned on the SOA. This could just mean nights down the pub each month. If it is an issue with gambling or any other addiction I agree that seeking help is the only way forward.

I only mention this as I am a recovering compulsive gambler and GA is the only thing that stopped me going over the edge. People come here with a lot of different reasons for being in debt and we shouldnt just assume that big debts are related to gambling issues.