Protect myself from spouse's debt

Juddster

Discovered my spouse had run up £10K of CC debt 5 years ago
Another £10K debt came to light a year later.

These have now been paid off, but I am spotting the signs that they have started getting into trouble again. How do I stop the bailiffs taking stuff purchased on my credit card, or the car\house which are in my sole name etc?

I have tried to separate my financial affairs as much as possible, i.e no joint loans, no joint credit cards, current\savings accounts, property or vehicles, etc.

But if the bailiffs were to unexpectedly bang on the door tomorrow morning, how can I stop them riding off with stuff I have bought (and paid for).

Thanks anyone.

elsien

Show them the receipts/proof of purchase.

dionysia

Don't let them in. https://www.gov.uk/your-rights-bailiffs

sourcrates

Juddster wrote: »

But if the bailiffs were to unexpectedly bang on the door tomorrow morning, how can I stop them riding off with stuff I have bought (and paid for).

Thanks anyone.

dionysia wrote: »

Don't let them in. https://www.gov.uk/your-rights-bailiffs

Exactly this, important to distinguish between debt collectors and bailiffs.

Debt collectors have no power whatsoever, bayliffs cannot force entry to private property for consumer debt, they can enter through an unlocked door though.

They would only be county court bayliffs anyway.

If you do not let them in, they cannot do anything.

National_Debtline

Hi Juddster


I can understand your concerns but if we are talking about unsecured credit debts a creditor will need CCJ (and your partner must have defaulted on payments) before bailiffs are even an option. As sourcrates says, they can't force entry unless they have been inside previously, and your partner must be given 7 days warning of their visit.


Have you spoken to your partner about what the debt situation is? The earlier it is caught, the easier it usually is to deal with. You or your partner can get in touch with one of the free debt advice agencies to find out exactly what their options are.


Best wishes


Susie
@natdebtline