Halifax - should I wait for debt to be sold? 29 June 2020 at 1:51PM in Debt-Free Wannabe 2 replies 111 views

DebbyInDebt

I have recently started tackling debts which I have been ignoring for years - 10 different creditors and all defaulted 2-3 years ago, I ignored it and buried my head in the sand purely out of fear of angry and threatening debt collectors coming after me. I recently moved home to my parents to be able to pay everything off, as quick as I can then start saving to move out and even get a mortgage longer term.

I've realised that these agencies aren't so scary after all and actually It's probably worked in my favour as i'm able to negotiate settlement offers and write off some of it - so far I've cleared 6K out of 16K and closed 4 of the 10 accounts.

Anyway, one of these accounts is a credit card with Halifax for £3,230 - and the account defaulted in July 2017 and is still owned by Halifax. My question is, am I better off ignoring this account until the debt is sold on? At which point I'll have more luck negotiating a settlement offer and/or sending a CCA request to find the debt unenforceable?
From what I understand, since the default is already on my credit file, it doesn't make much difference until the 6 years pass anyway? And I'm not planning to apply for a mortgage or anything in that time?  There's probably no harm trying some settlement offers, but If I send a CCA request now, am I shooting myself in the foot as it's more likely they'll have the documents?
The thing I want to avoid at all costs is another CCJ - I already have one on my file from 3 years ago and my plan is to be able get a mortgage by the time I'm 35 when the debts would have all been paid and defaults/ccj gone from my file.

Thanks
Debbie x

sourcrates

Halifax keep records for approx 7 years, so CCA not going to get you anywhere just yet.

Yes i would wait, it will get sold on eventually, the longer its left, the more of a discount you should be able to negoatiate with whoever picks it up, its actually a good way to deal with your debts if disposable income is currently lacking.

Creditors rarely go to court, debts just get sold on and on and on again, if legal action was taken, there is a long process before hand, plenty of time to deal with it, so good approach, and good luck with it.

DebbyInDebt

sourcrates said:

Halifax keep records for approx 7 years, so CCA not going to get you anywhere just yet.

Yes i would wait, it will get sold on eventually, the longer its left, the more of a discount you should be able to negoatiate with whoever picks it up, its actually a good way to deal with your debts if disposable income is lacking.

Creditors rarely go to court, debts just get sold on and on and on again, if legal action was taken, there is a long process before hand, planty of time to deal with it, so good approach, and good luck with it.

Thanks so much, really appreciate the advice
I was a bit worried as it seems counter-productive to ignore it but you've reassured me. Instead I'll focus on saving some money aside to pay this of eventually at a lower amount.