Writing to creditors after being accepted for bankruptcy

patternsandshapes

I have recently been accepted for bankruptcy, and thinking ahead - I'm wondering about the time coming soon I assume when my debtors haven't received the next regular monthly payments and will be writing angry letters to me about that. Whilst I know the OR contacts them, I also know these companies will likely try to get their pound of flesh.

To this end, what should I write back to them to stop them from pestering? I guess it would be easy to ignore them, but that doesn't seem very proactive and could lead to more complications, so does anyone have some kind of template letter text to send to creditors explaining I am now going through bancruptcy proceedings and am no longer required to pay towards the debts which have been/will be written off.

I'm also somewhat scared about them "sending the heavies 'round" to the door. Is this something I should be concerned with, or am I letting my imagination run away with me?

Thanks.

Sonic101

Hi there
Judging from others' experiences on here, you might find the odd persistent creditor, but for the majority, if they do contact you and you tell them you're bankrupt (and give your bankruptcy number) they'll leave you alone.

I've been in the process of dealing with creditors (currently in a DMP) and I've actually found them to be reasonable. It seems to be debt collections agencies more who hassle people, but they have no real powers. To send round "heavies" (i.e., proper bailiffs) a court order is generally required.

If you do get hassled (they continue calling or writing letters after you've told them you're bankrupt) then send them something in writing with your bankruptcy details on, otherwise just leave them be. As you say, the OR will contact them. 

patternsandshapes

OK, thanks that's reassuring.

TheGardener

Hi. It's an anxious time and it's easy to let your imagination run away with you. In reality, most companies take a couple of months missed payments before they start the debt collection process and often a couple of months more before they start incurring extra costs themselves by sending collectors round. The old advice was to simply wait until the OR's processes kick in, the vast majority of creditors back off once they receive notification from the OR. If you get any phone calls, simply tell them you are BR and give them your BR case number. If any of the creditors persist - just contact the OR and tell them. 

TinyPomegranate

Just to add. I had a tricky time with my council tax dept who just weren't listening to me when I kept telling them I'm BR, sending court summons, threatening bailiffs, etc. It took tiiiiiiiime and a formal complaint to get the council to recognise my BR status, but while I was fixing that, it took one simple email to the actual bailiffs and they instantly listened to me, promised they wouldn't come round, and sent written confirmation they had definitely passed my case back to the council. So if your creditor isn't listening, at least talk to whichever company they're employing to scare you in the meantime because you might get a better response.

patternsandshapes

Thank you everyone, this has been helpful. I have other questions but need to research first, thanks