help needed on debt thats not ours

BNC_3

I don't know if anyone can give me advice on this one?

How can i deal with a debt that my ex partner seems to have managed to pass to me?

Signed up for a car deal - we both signed paperwork - my name was second. Payments made from her account, car registered in her name.

We split up a few years ago, apparently the car was repossessed shortly afterwards and she has now given the company my address.

I knew nothing of this situation, and would never had let it happen - is there anything i can do to resolve it, its nearly £10,000.

The company have never written to me about it, but have placed on my credit record and am now unable to buy a property.

skylight

Sorry. Very little you can do. You will need professional and legal advice on this one as you signed the paperwork and you are liable. You accepted liability for the debt should the first signatory default.

This is regardless of who owned or registered the car. You could possibly sue her for the debt, but again you will need proper legal advice over this. Or contact the company as listed on the credit file and make an offer of payment to remove the listing from your credit file and close the debt. (Cos solicitors fees etc may come to a similar negotiated amount anyway).

I am sorry that its not better news. Its wrong that she can get away with it and its not right, but the law is not based on morals.

RAS

If this debt was more than 6 years ago, it may be statute barred. When di you split up?

BNC_3

We split up a couple of years ago. What amases me is that i knew nothing about it - and they have only phoned me about it, never written and demanded payment from me (from my current address, which i've been at for 2 years)

RAS

Hi

I am sorry but legally, since you signed, you are responsible for the jointly debt. Can you contact youer ex and discuss the situation with her?

I would recommend that you talk to CAB or someone about the credit report, as you may be able to sort this out if you did not get any correspondence. Unfortunately, even if you pay the debt, the record will stay on your credit report for six years. Once it is satisfied, your credit rating will improve but may still face higher interest rates. Alternatively, you might be ble to bargain with the company to get it removed in exchange for payment, which would improve your credit rating.

Do get to CAb or legal advice ASAP