High Court Enforcement Advice

darkdoctor

Hi,


I've had a letter from a High Court Enforcement agency to chase the outstanding balance of a vets bill (£1600 before they add their own charges). I do not deny the debt and intend to do the right thing and pay it off but I can't afford to pay it all in one go and any installments plan that I'm able to offer is bound to be rejected out of hand.
How long can I ignore the bailiffs knocking my door before they give up and pass the debt back to those I owe the money to?
I'd really not want to have to so much as speak to the agent if I can help it.


Can they force entry or enlist police/locksmith to gain entry?
Can they enter my locked garden?
What is the absolute worst that can happen if I ignore them?
Can I approach those I owe with a view to arranging a payment plan while the bailiffs are still involved?


Thanks in advance.

sourcrates

If this has been escalated to the high court, they may be knocking on your door soon.
They cannot force access to private premisis, business premisis they can, every point of entry must be kept locked, if it's physically possible to get into your garden, they can, and will, they can't enter your house except through an unlocked door or window.

I have no idea how long they will attempt to collect on this debt, but if you have a car, it can be seized.

Once the bayliffs are involved, it suggests the original creditor has lost all patience at settling this matter any other way.

darkdoctor

Thanks Sourcrates.


By "physically possible" does that mean they can climb over my locked garden gate or fence and try knocking on my backdoor when there's no answer at the front?
I don't have a car to worry about.


The notice of enforcement was the first letter I received to indicate that this had gone to court. I've certainly had nothing from the court to say that the case will be heard or that judgment had been made.

sourcrates

darkdoctor wrote: »

Thanks Sourcrates.


By "physically possible" does that mean they can climb over my locked garden gate or fence and try knocking on my backdoor when there's no answer at the front?

Yes, if there agile enough, only locked doors/Windows, will stop them entering your home.

darkdoctor

Ok Thanks.
Is there a limit on times they can come or how long they can attempt contact before they give up and pass the debt back to the creditor?

HappyMJ

darkdoctor wrote: »

Ok Thanks.
Is there a limit on times they can come or how long they can attempt contact before they give up and pass the debt back to the creditor?

There is no limit. They of course won't keep visiting forever if they don't get a response but they'll keep trying a number of times before giving up.