Thought I'd got a fresh start now struggling

triathlete3

I'm at my wits end trying to pay off my ex's debts since we split, I've been lumbered due to joint and several liability and have taken full (albeit with a large dose of annoyment) responsibility and started paying it off.

It's not been easy as my ex was abusive and took all my mail for years, didn't let me work and due to the abuse I got mental and physical health problems so ended up unable to work, during that time I payed my mortgage, car related costs and believed he was paying everything else as his half of the household bills. I was wrong, he paid nothing for years and got into debt with credit cards. Luckily I don't have to pay his credit cards or overdrafts but I have to pay the rest which I am doing (and started doing as soon as i managed to get him out of the house and myself some therapy to be able to communicate with the lenders and get back to work) and with little effect on my credit file except for our water bill.

The last payment they received was during the billing period of 2013/2014, they then put a default on the account only last year and a CCJ on it in June this year. I've been advised that a default should be put on an account after the first 3-6 missed payments, not after 4-5 years? I've asked for it to be backdated as this is the only blemish I have on my credit file but they've refused, they've also stated that at no point have they pursued my partner (now ex) for the debt as I didn't ask them to! But surely every adult member of a household is liable for the water bill? I'm not trying to dispute the amount or my liability or even get my ex to pay half, I'm paying it afterall, just the default date, I also want to know what happens to the CCJ if I do manage to get the default date pushed back and it hits the 6 year deadline, does tje CCJ still stand even though the default amount is wiped? I've changed my life for the better in the last few months, got a buyer for my home and a new job offer and partner but with this default and CCJ I'm now stuck not able to move

[Deleted User]

The default should have been put on earlier, but now that a CCJ has appeared for the same account, it's going to make little practical difference. But you can ask them to backdate it.

They can pursue any, all or none of the named people on the account.

If you settle the CCJ now to improve how you appear to lenders, use an adverse credit specialist broker to help place your mortgage application.

triathlete3

So the CCJ will still appear even if the default expires on my file? Basically I'm stuck with it whatever happens? I'd be taking a mortgage out with my new partner so don't want to affect him financially if he becomes connected to me through a mortgage and I have had credit

[Deleted User]

Yes. The CCJ would have been removed if you had paid it within a month, but that option has now gone.

You can apply for a set aside, but I can't see that you would have a reason for that.

But a settled debt always looks better than unsettled.

triathlete3

Thanks for the advice zx81