Not Sure Where I Stand Or What To Do

Andyburke

Good Evening

I have a debt with a former employer for what was £3500 and since then, I have buried my head in the sand and ignored it.

Since the start of the year, I was signed off sick with mental health issues and then lost my job.

The debt has gone to a company call High Court Solutions and I have had a writ served against me and the debt has escalated to nearly £5000 with fees etc.

I have been in contact with them advising that I was claiming benefits and could not pay the debt as even claiming JSA and Housing benefit at the time didnt exactly leave me a great deal to live on. I have no assets that would pay or get near to paying the amount (literally this laptop which is ancient)

Three weeks ago I have gained employment and this morning I had a missed call from the bailiff at 0650.

At about 0945 the bailiff turned up at my work and I spoke to him with me being advised that I need to pay at least £1000 by Friday and then £1500 per month for the next 2 months to clear the debt.

I'm not in a position to pay this as a) I have rent arrears of approx £1200 which I have arranged to pay off with my landlord over the next 6 months and b) have 3 kids to support which I pay and support.

I really dont know where I stand as I have been adivsed by the CAB that I can apply for a stay of execution to the high court and county court but when I said to the bailiff about this, I was told that I am too late and that it will be rejected.

He said that the CAB dont know what they are talking about and if I cannot get the money by then, the only course of action is bankruptcy.

Should I seek other advice? Is the CAB not reliable (no offence - just not sure what to think)

I have spoken to my bank (TSB) and they advised that they would no longer allow me to have an account with them (which I understand) but really dont know where I stand or what to do.

If any advice can be given, then please let me know and I understand that it is my fault for letting this get this bad but dont want him turning up at my work again.

Also apologies if posted in the wrong thread/area

Many Thanks In Advance

Andy

whitewing

I am sure you will get some help from MSE regarding this, so don't give up. More people will be around the forums during the day, so try and get some sleep and keep motivated to get a plan of action.

Mollie_Guinness15

You can't get blood out of a stone, so if you've no cash and no assets or possessions of any worth there is very little they can do. As whitewing said, try and relax, and some of the amazing people on here will help you. I've had bailiffs at the door in the past and it's not nice at all, but like you I had nothing and came to an arrangement eventually.

tigerfeet2006

Give National Debtline a ring and have a chat with them about your situation.

I seem to remember that they can't make you BR for such a small amount anyway. Think it's £7500 now.

There are plenty of banks who will offer you an account if yours don't want you.

Has the bailiff been in your property?

Andyburke

Hi and thank you for your responses.

Yes, they turned up at my property but I was not in and then turned up at my work as I didn't answer his call yesterday saying that the minimum amount he could accept was £1000.

Since then I've emailed HCS and said I can't get the money and where do I stand?

Had a reply saying to pay £100 tomorrow and then £500 per month until the balance is paid which will buy me some time until next month but I'll be a struggle so although a little relieved not sure how to get that sort of money together. Am I too late to enter a DMP with other debts as well or do I go for a stay of execution? Not sure what's best to do

tigerfeet2006

If you have other debts then I suggest you ring National Debtline tomorrow as a matter of urgency and see what they say. Depending on your circumstances they may suggest a DMP, IVA, DRO (mini bankruptcy) or indeed bankruptcy itself. They are open 9am to 8pm tomorrow.

https://www.nationaldebtline.org/

Andyburke

I plan to do their budget planner tonight when I get in from work and call them on my lunch tomorrow

Again, thank you for all your responses and I really appreciate it

banksshouldworry

Firstly, don't take any advice from a bailiff on the matter. Their job is to get you to pay the debt they're chasing back asap. Some bailiffs will try to scare, pressure and shame you into paying them asap.

And if a bailiff comes to your property DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT LET THEM INSIDE your property at any time.

Get some free impartial advice from people like National Debtline or Stepchange on (0800) 138 1111. They'll give you the best advice on where you stand legally and how to deal with all of your creditors appropriately.

Your priority is keeping a roof over your head and food in the mouths of your family. The bailiffs are further down the list of priorities and a judge will know that.

Don't let the bailiffs bully you into paying out money you can't afford.

Get impartial advice NOW so that you know how best to deal with your situation.

Good luck and don't let the beggars grind you down!