My Call Credit and other questions about bankruptcy

Fate

I wonder if any one can help me?

To cut a long story short, I accrued around £20,000+ worth of debt up until the year 2000 when I defaulted and subsequently left the country. Looking back this wasn't the best course of action, but I wasn't entirely in my right mind at that point. I am still outside of the UK (but still in the EU) and am looking to return to sort things out. During my 7 (nearly 8) year absence I have suffered a car crash, a very serious health problem (of which I am still suffering minor repercussions) and have recently got married. I have been researching my options and have decided to take action on the results of reading my credit report file.

I applied to My Call Credit for a report, however they are now asking me for proof of address. I only have my driving licence with this address and they want recent utility bills etc. I can still call this address home, as I still hold a British passport and this is where I go whenever I return. What can I do? Is it possible that they have a GAIN (is that right) and want to find out where I am so they can hound me?

If I eventually get to see a credit report, and I find that I have CCJ's I would like to file for bankruptcy, I have no assets, no income and there is very little chance that I would ever be able to pay it back (unless I win the lottery and then I'd pay every penny back like a shot). Has anybody been in the same position?

If I don't have CCJ's then I am assuming that my debts would be statute barred due to no contact in 6 years. Can I make full and final offers to the companies that are still pursuing the debts (although these would be very, very low). If they refuse I could then file for bankruptcy?

Whatever happens I realize I am going to have to come back albeit temporarily to work to raise the funds for bankruptcy. I would obviously want to return to my husband outside of the UK. What view does the OR take of such a thing?

If I go bankrupt and I am living with a family member, will that family member be affected by my state of affairs? My father wants to sell his house and is worried that my going bankrupt would affect any sale (I have no financial ties to my Dad, just emotional ones!)

I know there are a lot of questions, I have managed to find out lots of information online and by talking to someone at myvesta but I've still got "holes".

Thanks in advance for any answers.

madoldbat

Hi Fate!
I can not give much advice re your questions as I have no experiance in most of the areas you are asking about.
However Im sure someone who does will be along shortly.
Re your Dad I dont think OR will be interested in him or his assets so long as none of your debts were in his name as well as yours.
You dont say how long your here for but the best thing you can do is get advice from some of these people
Your local CAB Office and ask to speak to a 'money advisor' *** The Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) - Tel: 0800 138 1111*** National Debtline - Tel: 0800 808 4000 *** Payplan - Tel: 0800 917 7823
they will give free unbiased advice and a judge will ask if you sought it prior to BR.
Hang in there someone who knows a thing or two will be along .

tigerfeet2006

If you have had no contact for over 6 years and their are no CCJ's on any of the the debts then write to the companies with the statute barred letter (there is a template on this site somewhere.) If you declare them all SB then you won't have to go BR. If they are SB you do not have to give them a penny so no F&F's

Have you tried looking at Experian, Callfirst and Equifax individually rather than go through an intermediary, you may find it easier.

Fate

Dear Tigerfeet,

Thanks for your quick reply.

I understand about the Statute Barred bit, but what I don't understand is what happens after they are barred. I know that they are not legally allowed to pursue the debt through the courts, but that the debt is never written off, it still exists. What I'm worried about are any future changes in the law and agreements with European countries which might mean that I am always worried about phonecalls and letters. I want to start a family and don't want my kids to grow up with a mum that is always looking over her shoulder. I'm not bothered about being able to get mortgages and credit in the UK (or anywhere else for that matter!!) but would like this finished, I've spent 13 years in debt and worried.:(

I think I meant to use Callfirst, but somehow ended up at call credit (duh). I've paid them, if they can't do the search do you think will they refund the money?

tigerfeet2006

No that was my bad I meant Callcredit But you must check all three agencies as they all hold different information. See Martins article,
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/banking/credit-rating-credit-score

I understand where you are coming from with the possible changes in european law etc. You must do what feels right for you.

Hopefully someone will be along soon to help with the ID issue and your other questions.

Fate

Well, I've got the credit report sorted out I think. I went for the call credit one because it seemed the most comprehensive. Really at the moment I want to find out if a have CCJ's, so I think I'll check the others later on. I'm worried about my accessing the report setting off alarm bells and getting lots of nasty phone calls. I suppose it doesn't really matter because I've decided the time has come to sort out this mess.

If anyone can help on any of my other questions, it would put my mind at rest about some things. I'm particularly worried about the effect on my Dad's credit rating. Has anyone else filed for bankruptcy whilst living with a relative, if so did it mess up their financial affairs?

Thanks again for any advice (it's been a real help reading the personal stories on this forum).

fermi

Fate wrote: »

If anyone can help on any of my other questions, it would put my mind at rest about some things. I'm particularly worried about the effect on my Dad's credit rating. Has anyone else filed for bankruptcy whilst living with a relative, if so did it mess up their financial affairs?

Won't effect him at all. (assuming you don't have any joint accounts or credit agreements).

The Credit Reference Files now refer to you alone, and will not effect anyone else at the same address.

Fate

Thank you Fermi,

That's put my mind at rest!! I was shaking as I tried to access the report, I'd got myself all hysterical and then I couldn't see the damn thing!! I'll just have to be patient!!