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Debts and renting fear

HampshireMother
Posts: 4 Newbie
I have recently moved house into rented accommodation. I have around £55k of credit card debt which was run up by my husband over 10 years ago but is in my name. My husband of 22 years and I split up 2 months ago and I moved out of the family home with our 3 children into rented accommodation. My marriage was abusive and what pushed me to finally find the strength to leave was when he threw me down the stairs in front of the children.
I haven't told my creditors about the change of address yet as I am terrified if my landlord finds out and I have a visit from a bailiff (we live in a cottage in the grounds of the main house and all the post goes to the main house first) that they will kick us out or at best it would cause serious embarrassment and problems for me and the children. I am dealing with stepchange but can't get through to them, I just end up on hold forever. I am claiming benefits for the first time in life (I'm 43) and I'm just terrified if I tell my creditors where I am they will come after me and cause massive issues with my landlord.
My husband is getting nasty and telling me I need to change the address ... Can anyone suggest anything I can do ??
I haven't told my creditors about the change of address yet as I am terrified if my landlord finds out and I have a visit from a bailiff (we live in a cottage in the grounds of the main house and all the post goes to the main house first) that they will kick us out or at best it would cause serious embarrassment and problems for me and the children. I am dealing with stepchange but can't get through to them, I just end up on hold forever. I am claiming benefits for the first time in life (I'm 43) and I'm just terrified if I tell my creditors where I am they will come after me and cause massive issues with my landlord.
My husband is getting nasty and telling me I need to change the address ... Can anyone suggest anything I can do ??
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Comments
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Ps we paid the minimum payment on these debts for 10 years0
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Have you consulted a solicitor yet? You should seek advice as soon as is possible.
Contact the National Debt Helpline for immediate support with regards to your debts. It's a free service.
https://www.nationaldebtline.org/EW/Pages/default.aspx0 -
No I can't afford a solicitor, I am dealing with stepchange debt charity but can't get through to them0
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If you have been in an abusive relationship then you may be entitled to legal aid to pay for a solicitor so go along to CAB and ask for some advice about this aspect re: your previous property/child support etc
If you are receiving benefits then it is vital that you change your address. You must not be registered at the same address as your husband for any official documents as this will trigger an investigation. (Hopefully you have already done this. If not do it asap)
I understand about your concern re: certain post going to your current address so is there a friend/family member's address that you could use (c/o) ( I can also understand why your husband does not want the post going to his address - possible visits from bailiffs?)
Keep trying to contact Stepchange or National Debtline. They will have some options as regards your debts.
The liability of the credit cards may also be something to sort out via a solicitor if it is deemed that the 'spending was joint'.0 -
Thanks for that. I only started claiming benfits when we moved from the new address not my husbands house. I can't prove he spent any money in the cards so I'm stick with the debt. Can I do a mail redirection so that my creditors continue to send to the old address but don't have my new address ?0
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You can get 1/2 hour free at some solicitors, look in their window or ask at the desk about it.
Plus look here http://lawworks.org.uk/clinics they offer free help for some people.
It isn't right that you have 100% of the debt your ex. should have 1/2 or more.
Good luck, hope it all works out for you.0 -
even if debt is in your name alone - since you were married the debt is shared, as would any profits from house sales etc0
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Hi HampshireMother
First of all I'm sorry to hear about everything you've had to go through to get where you are now.
No legitimate tenancy agreement worth the paper it is written on will allow a landlord to kick you out simply because of a visit from debt collectors or bailiffs. Such matters would have no impact on the landlord or their personal property.
More to the point, chances are there will be no bailiff involvement anyway. The credit card companies would need to take you to court for a start, and unless you simply failed to reply to any court forms, it is EXTREMELY unlikely that they would even get into a position to be able to request the use of a bailiff.
Any credit cards in your name will be your liability only, and wherever the letters are landing right now, they do not make your husband liable. His role in accumulating the debts may become relevant when it comes to any divorce settlements etc., but that is another matter.
Please, please persist in seeking free advice, whether from Stepchange, our service or one of the other free options suggested above. If you have trouble getting through on our phone line, there is the option of emailing us or web chat.
Best wishes
Dennis
@natdebtlineWe work as money advisers for National Debtline and have specific permission from MSE to post to try to help those in debt. Read more information on National Debtline in MSE's Debt Problems: What to do and where to get help guide. If you find you're struggling with debt and need further help try our online advice tool My Money Steps0 -
Hi
I sounds as if the house from which you moved is owned or at least mortgaged?
If so it is an asset of the marriage and will be included in any divorce settlement.
If you have been in an abusive marriage, have you ever involved the police in the situation or reported matters to the police of medical profession?
You need to start divorce proceedings ASAP and can do that without needing a lawyer. You do need a lawyer for the financial settlement.
Have you tried e-mailing stepchange and asked them to call you back.
And ring CSA today.If you've have not made a mistake, you've made nothing0
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