The only way is down (for the balances)!

abba1772

Not sure what advice I can offer, hope your ok xx

catandy

another fine came in Saturday pushing me a further 6437 into the red .... I think that's it now but am loathe to say it out loud and tempt fate. every time I think the figures cant go any higher they do!

abba1772

That's a awfully large fine..... What was that for if you don't mind me asking xx

dawnybabes

Ouch !

Could these fines be included in the bankruptcy ? It's seems silly killing yourself for the next few years, could you have a chat with a bankruptcy officer.

Brogden

Hi Catandy,

Thanks for popping over to my thread some while ago. You were so upbeat and now you're not Is it these 'fines' that are making the difference and bringing you down? Surely it is so what exactly are they for? What I am thinking is.........if somebody is really struggling financially, is there any court in the land which continues to fine them with no regards to their ability to pay? I don't think there is.....not in this country. Is whoever it is unaware of your plight? Have you applied for free legal aid?

Brogden

catandy

it is for working tax credit overpayments - ex is classed as a partner even though we were not partners in the true sense of the word just living in the same house - and me paying for everything. ive got 2 years worth of fines/ repayments amounting to 13000 and hes got a repayment of 400 - again who came off smelling of roses? and no I hadn't thought of that perhaps if I ask them nicely they will rescind it and let me off the amount due,

in_need_of_direction

If the £13k is overpayments, they will agree a repayment schedule but won't reduce it. Sorry. With your commission reducing, are you getting all the benefits that you could be entitled to? Also, do you currently have a budget? Without this, there is always a temptation to do silly things. You say the kids are fed up with how you are living. Are they really or are you just assuming that they are because you feel guilty at not providing treats. I know you're in a rotten place, but try not to make things worse for yourself by assuming issues exist when they don't really. Against the advice of my solicitor, I agreed a much bigger financial settlement for my ex when he split. Financially, it nearly crippled me but it was worth every penny to get shot of him. Anyhows, I think you need an up to date soa with everything listed and that will help you see what your options are. Best of luck, you can sort this. While you may be tired of being strong, you are stronger than you believe. Take care.

Brogden

Unfortunately I don't know much about how tax credits work but what I am certain about is that you do not have to suffer in this way.

Whilst you talked about bankruptcy, the first things that came into my head are:-

- Would it affect your ability to keep your job?
- Would it affect your ability to stay in your accommodation - it may certainly make moving very difficult.

If it is these fines / refunds whatever they are that is making you consider bankruptcy then don't consider it until the judge in the highest court in the land has insisted you repay.

Firstly go to the department who is making these demands and tell them how it is, how it was and everything you went through with your ex. Point out the fact he has got a credit and you are being charged. Make it clear to them that you cannot repay all of this anyway. Go to CAB and ask about Legal Aid. I despise politicians but..........contact your MP too.

You don't want to go bankrupt so forget all about that until you are beaten. I do not think you will be beaten by the way

Brogden

in_need_of_direction

Brogden, it's the person who made the claim who is liable for the overpayment. Not fair but how it is.

Brogden

in_need_of_direction wrote: »

Brogden, it's the person who made the claim who is liable for the overpayment. Not fair but how it is.

I can follow that logic INOD. I have been beaten into submission on occasions when I have challenged 'established' systems on various things but I have also won some and in some cases I have obtained a compromise which has been of major benefit for me .

I am certain Catandy could be in a far better position than she is in and sometimes when all the odds seem to be stacked against us it is easy to lose the fighting spirit and not look for 'the way.' She should make sure the authorities are clear of her limited ability to repay and aware of any mitigating circumstances there may be or where blame may rest with others..

Here we are CA talking to each other about you . Go for it in any way you can.