Catalogue debt

Ember999

I think you should pay her the money hon, it's the decent thing to do. As to reporting her for theft for witholding your goods, that's a bit harsh isn't it? I think in a similar situation I would do the same! Also, the police would regard it as a civil matter and suggest you get a solicitor and proceed through the small claims court. Costly, silly and you will all fall out! Is it really worth it?
Pay the lady the money and be done with it then you will be able to sleep at night. What goes around, comes around, treat people as you would like to be treated.

cymro1170

I've taken what you've said on board.

The way I see it is this.
I didn't have a debt with her, but I did "owe" money to the Catalogue.
She has paid the catalogue bill in full, therefore eliminating what I owe to the catalogue company. As far as they're concerened I owe nothing.
She took this decision on her own without informing anyone, so it's now her debt.

Where do I stand legally?

I agree that I've had enough problems, and I am willing to play ball.
But she (the mother), has acted in a childish manner regarding my break-up with her daughter.

It's the mother that won't allow the daughter to speak to me.

I've asked for my stuff back, some of the things I desperately need and have been refused.

cymro1170

Ember999 wrote:

I think you should pay her the money hon, it's the decent thing to do. As to reporting her for theft for witholding your goods, that's a bit harsh isn't it? I think in a similar situation I would do the same! Also, the police would regard it as a civil matter and suggest you get a solicitor and proceed through the small claims court. Costly, silly and you will all fall out! Is it really worth it?
Pay the lady the money and be done with it then you will be able to sleep at night. What goes around, comes around, treat people as you would like to be treated.

Thanks for your reply ember999.

I know it's the decent thing to do, but as you've said, "treat people as you would like to be treated". Well, this is how she's treated me.
She's threatened me and my mother, and has witheld my items.

I have politely asked for my items back, but to no avail. So I'm thinking the police is the next step.

Ember999

cymro1170 wrote:

Thanks for your reply ember999.

I know it's the decent thing to do, but as you've said, "treat people as you would like to be treated". Well, this is how she's treated me.
She's threatened me and my mother, and has witheld my items.

I have politely asked for my items back, but to no avail. So I'm thinking the police is the next step.

Hi Hon,

I do know exactly how you feel, it's a difficult situation and I do agree it's not nice to have her withold your posessions from you. If you contact the Police they will call around and 'ask' her nicely to return your posessions. She should probably do this once they have had a chat with her. Quite often the Police can resolve siuations in this way. If this doesn't work, I would send her a recorded delivery letter asking her nicely to return your items to you. You will collect them or if she prefers to post them, you will refund her the cost. Keep a copy of this letter for your own records.

If she then fails to return your goods, then issue a summons in the small claims court. If she isn't wanting to return your items, it may be the only way.

As to your ex not being allowed to talk to you anymore. I think most adults in this country make their own decisions, therefore assume that your ex doesn't want to talk to you, as it would be very difficult for her mother (however interferring!) to stop her!

I do hope you sort it out, its a messy situation and I fully see your point. Hope it all works out.

Ember

cymro1170

Just texted her again to ask when I'll be receiving my belongings and she replied with "Get stuffed".

So I guess my only option is the police now.

mountainofdebt

I think to get the situation resolved at least one of you has to act like an adult.

You agree that you owed the debt (ok to the catalogue company but as I said one of you has to act like an adult) and she , because she wanted to get rid of the catalouge has paid off the amount you owed.

Now the adult thing to do would be to offer her the amount in exchange for your items. If you do it sooner rather than later you never have to have another conversation with her if you so chose!

krisskross

Are the belongings of greater value than the debt she paid for you?
I honestly think you are on a loser here. What if the police do go to see her and she denies all knowledge of your stuff?
You really are getting yourself in a dreadful pickle here, as is she, for the sake of a few quid. Honestly not worth it, chalk it up to experience, pay the dosh and move on.

Bossyboots

The police are for when crimes are committed, not immature civil disputes. I would also point out that it is actually quite legal to retain goods in lieu of payment of a debt so in fact she is in the right. No Court would support your contention that you do not owe her this money.

All you are doing is reinforcing the negative opinion she has of you. You are not exactly going to impress your ex like this either. You seem to just be looking for a way to disagree with this family. For goodness sake just pay what you owe and stop looking for more trouble. You can then move on and start afresh.

cymro1170

My belongings are extremely valuable, or I wouldn't be asking for them back.
There is one book alone that's worth £40
There's a dog I bought for my sister who is expecting her first child - of extreme sentimental value.

Not trying to pick a fight with this woman, but she's a !!!!!!

TheBottomLine_2

I'm not sure of the legal situation but I don't think you actually ever owed any money to the catalogue people. I used to do the Studio Cards catalogue and the T&Cs stated that I was liable for all payments and not my customers - when someone didn't pay me I still had to pay the catalgoue folks.

Now she sent you a text saying 'Get stuffed' then it's time to pay up or cut your losses and be finished with it. Anyway, the reason she is refusing to give you your things could be because she's already sold them...