Really need some advice please...

purplerain90

I've just found out that I've been taken to court over unpaid university tuition fees (approx £1200). I had no idea that this had happened - I moved out the home a year ago to a new area and have never been back or spoken to the new tenants.

I really don't know what to do. I emailed the university and the solicitors it showed that were dealing with the matter. I've explained to them that I've been going through a lot of hospital operations and my health has been really poor - I sank into a deep depression - and I've got more surgery to go in for in the new year. I know it is no excuse but it became my priority and I just let things slip. I was paying the debt off but everything just got on top of me.

I'm now worried sick and been in tears all evening. I don't know what to do. I explained my circumstances in my emails and that I want to arrange a payment plan but I've no idea what they will say. I'm admitting my mistakes and I want to start paying what I can.

I know I've been stupid and if my mum knew she would be so disappointed. I only found out because I was using google search to look for something. Have I taken the right steps emailing them? I have no idea what to expect or what to do now. Please give me some advice.

sourcrates

Hi,
How old is the debt ?

purplerain90

About a year and a half. That's when all my health problems started around the same period.

sourcrates

purplerain90 wrote: »

About a year and a half. That's when all my health problems started around the same period.

Ah, so fairly recent then, ok, don't panic, first thing to realise is that the court will not make you pay more than you can afford, you do not attend in person, it's all done either online, or by post.

If they do take action, it's very Important to fill in and return any forms they may send you, within the specified timeframe, however if you have already contacted them offering a payment plan, they may not waste time and money going down the legal route.

Can I ask, are you working at the moment ?

purplerain90

I'm not and won't be for the foreseeable future (at least 2 years) due to health reasons. My mum just called and I completely broke down on the phone and had to tell her. She was actually really supportive and hopefully now I've emailed them something can be sorted. I'm just hoping a payment plan can be arranged and it goes no further. I've got myself into a right state.

sourcrates

If your not working then dont offer them more than you can afford, remember, your essential bills come first, rent/mortgage, council tax, food, household bills etc, then debt repayments last of all, don't be pressurised or frightened into paying more than you can afford, if you haven't got it, they can't take it from you !!!

purplerain90

sourcrates wrote: »

If your not working then dont offer them more than you can afford, remember, your essential bills come first, rent/mortgage, council tax, food, household bills etc, then debt repayments last of all, don't be pressurised or frightened into paying more than you can afford, if you haven't got it, they can't take it from you !!!

Thank you. I'm really scared when I work out my finances they are going to laugh at me. I don't have much disposable income and have other creditors that I only pay £1.00 to each month. I feel better now I've spoken to my mum about it and posted here.

sourcrates

If you can only afford a £1, then that's all you offer, the court will not make you pay more, it would be pointless, in my opinion, taking you to court under these circumstances.

Don't worry about it, it's only money, there is very little they can do to you in reality, please don't fret about it too much.

Lots of people make £1 a month payments, it's quite common.

Worst case senario, they go to court and win, you pay a pound a month to them, that will be it !!

mangle101

You say that you're also paying other creditors £1.00 per month, how many creditors & how old are these debts?