Catalogue debt Court papers received

sampete

I am trying to help a friend that has received Northampton claim form. She is understandably upset and doesn't know how to proceed. She received court papers yesterday. They include an amount for outstanding monies plus interest at 8%.
It appears that Lowell have purchased a catalogue debt from some years back.
She explained that the catalogue account was in dispute and that they would not resolve the matter. The alleged debt then sold to Lowells, who are now chasing this through the court.
The only appropriate box on the claim form is the defence one. I have explained this to her as best I can. This has been an issue for some years as far as I can understand. She doesn't understand SAR and CCA requests etc (neither do I ). Nothing like these have been submitted, as she doesn't understand the system.
Can anyone explain what will happen after I send in the form with the defence section marked claim disputed. Or is there an alternative action I can advise her on.
My friend is a 65 pensioner with little understanding of these matters or internet use. I would like to return the court papers asap as there is a time limit, and failure could result in unnecessary penalties or effects.
thanks

happy_bunny_2

Have a read on this:
https://www.nationaldebtline.org/EW/factsheets/Pages/20%20EW%20County%20court%20-%20replying%20to%20a%20claim%20form/Default.aspx

Maybe give them a call tomorrow.

How old is the account? Most pre-April 2007 catalogue accounts have no/major issues with the credit agreements that if defended, should prevent a successful court claim.

I'm no expert on the court process though.

sampete

Thanks for your reply, will have a read as suggested.

terryw

The defence should be completed and returned within the time limit. A court hearing will then be arranged at the court local to your friend's address.

rizla_king

1 Acknowledge the claim online. That gives you 28 days to file a defence instead of 14.

2. Make CCA and CPR part 31 requests. People on your consumeractiongroup thread should be able to help with those.

I would also post for assistance on http://www.legalbeagles.info/forums/forumdisplay.php?105-Received-a-Court-Claim they know how to defend these claims with Lowells.

sampete

Thanks for everyones input, am doing my best to help friend with limited knowledge, so advice is appreciated.