Where to start with old debts and CCJ

Kanoona

I've finally pushed the panic aside and started to tackle my debts today. I've buried my head in the sand a little with them and simply ignored them for a while as when I was in hospital last year they were the furthest thing from my mind.

I've logged onto Noddle and found the following debts:

Advantage Finance: CCJ of £2001
Balance £754
Lowell: £6452
Vodafone: £274
EE: £479

I also have an old loan with RBS of £5500 but it was through a business start up company and so it doesn't say RBS on the letter I received (this letter is now lost) so I'm not sure who to contact about this.

I have contacted Lowell and Advantage by email to update my new married name and new address details and also to ask if I can start paying £5 a month for now until I find my feet.

Is there a best way to tackle them? Also is there any way of getting the CCJ taken off? I would like to clear my debts and hopfully improve my credit score.

What worries me also is that I have a website which I am currently working on to set up my own retail business in the future. I am worried that my debts will ruin my chances of ever setting up a business. Is there anything I should be doing to stop anything from cropping up? Can my old debts affect me setting up a business?

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

National_Debtline

Hi

The only way the CCJ will be removed is if you aren’t legally liable for it and can set it aside, otherwise it will come off your file after 6 years of being on there.

If you’re not currently paying the CCJ you’ll be in default and the claimant could potentially apply to use enforcement measures. To prevent this you can apply to vary the CCJ to affordable instalments using court form N245. There’s a £50 fee to apply unless you qualify for fee remission.

Overall it’s best to complete a SOA (income and expenditure) and work out how much you can realistically afford to offer each creditor. You could then make them payment offers or possibly look at a free debt management plan.

The only way I can think the debts may hamper your business is if you need any form of credit, as they may make it more difficult to obtain.

When did you last pay your old RBS loan or acknowledge it in writing?

James
@natdebtline