Question about walking possession

TiddlyPom

Have just been watching one of the bailiff TV programs and many times, bailiffs get debtors to sign walking possession orders. I wondered if you HAVE to sign this document and what would happen if you didn't. Would it make the document null and void?

Am lucky enough nt to have a debt problem myself it is just pure curiosity.
Thanks

fatbelly

It's called a Controlled Goods Agreement now.

My understanding is that the listed goods would still be 'controlled' by the bailiff but there would be no agreement whereby the debtor would retain use of them.

So unless the bailiff removed them (which they rarely do, except for the benefit of the tv shows), it could be argued that the goods have not been secured.

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/wales/debt_w/debt_action_your_creditor_can_take_e/bailiffs_e/your_belongings_and_bailiffs_e/how_a_bailiff_takes_control_of_your_belongings_e.htm

TiddlyPom

Thanks. That makes it a bit clearer on paper, but I wonder what would happen in a real life scenario. I suppose it would be seen as non-cooperation and the goods would be taken away rather than left insitu as they would be deemed to be 'at risk'.

fatbelly

In practice you'd find the bailiff refusing to leave and threatening to remove everything now. Could be a long stand-off, which is why the better advice is not to permit entry to your property in the first place.

They also would probably deny the argument that I made, using the CAB link, in my earlier post!