Previously unknown CCJ from 2013 - best / cheapest course of action to resolve?

frangipan23657

I've been trying to clean up my credit report recently having finally cleared debts from the past 15yrs, only to find out recently that I now have an active CCJ against me from Northampton court dated from November 2013!

This is total news to me as I moved from my last address in 2014, but don't recall ever seeing a CCJ come in before then, and I certainly would not have ignored it. Further investigation shows that it was lodged by Bryan Carter Solictors on behalf of Lowell Portfolio, for a small, defaulted cc debt from way back in 2001. On investigation I don't think it is statute barred yet as I had a standing order going to Lowell for £5 per month up until 2013... For some reason I do not know why the payment was cancelled.

I looked up Bryan Carter Solicitors to find out more today and to look into ways to try to settle this and get more info, but noticed that they closed in March, and the site now links to Fredpay?

I am not sure what I should now do as it has been sometime since the CCJ was raised - the debt last quoted by BCS included court fees, but my credit report shows the amount owing is a bit less. The original debt was only half of this (£250).

My question is, how should I move ahead with trying to get this CCJ removed / settled? Is there a way to find out if the debt was statue barred? If not, should I contact the court or FredPay? I can't afford to settle the amount in full right now as I am on maternity leave, so I was wondering if I could (or should) just offer a Full and Final settlement at this point for around the original debt, but if I do this, to whom would I offer it and how, and would that clear the CCJ or is it too far gone with notice of issue of warrant already having been given to me. I have no idea if the bailiffs turned up at my old address or not as it was years ago!

Any advice really appreciated! This is the only thing affecting my credit rating now, and I really want to sort it out. The thought of bailiffs and things is really really scary.

sourcrates

Dosent matter what you do, paying it won't remove it, only time will do that, it will show for 6 years from date of judgement, regardless.

Are you been chased for this ?

If not, sit tight till 6 years are up, although it won't go statute barred, 6 years is deemed long enough for a creditor to enforce there rights.

Another plan is to wait until you are contacted about it, then make an offer to settle.

National_Debtline

Hi frangipan


Have only just noticed you posted this in two different sections - I have replied to the one you posted in DFW Challenges.


Dennis
@natdebtline

frangipan23657

National_Debtline wrote: »

Hi frangipan


Have only just noticed you posted this in two different sections - I have replied to the one you posted in DFW Challenges.


Dennis
@natdebtline

Yes, my mistake! Thanks!

frangipan23657

sourcrates wrote: »

Dosent matter what you do, paying it won't remove it, only time will do that, it will show for 6 years from date of judgement, regardless.

Are you been chased for this ?

If not, sit tight till 6 years are up, although it won't go statute barred, 6 years is deemed long enough for a creditor to enforce there rights.

Another plan is to wait until you are contacted about it, then make an offer to settle.

Thanks, that's handy advice. It is possible I am still being sent letters to my old rental address but there's no forwarding on that anymore, so I wouldn't know! They don't appear to have my new address, which is a family home, not a private rental, so my main concern is being tracked here and getting a visit from bailiffs which would be a horrible situation!

National_Debtline

Hi

If bailiffs are used at some point they can't force entry into the property if they're not allowed in, and it's fairly simple to suspend the bailiff warrant through the court using court form N245. It might make it less stressful to wait and see what happens with that in mind.

James
@natdebtline

sourcrates

frangipan23657 wrote: »

Thanks, that's handy advice. It is possible I am still being sent letters to my old rental address but there's no forwarding on that anymore, so I wouldn't know! They don't appear to have my new address, which is a family home, not a private rental, so my main concern is being tracked here and getting a visit from bailiffs which would be a horrible situation!

In the end it's up to you how you want to play it.