courts...

craftingqueen_2

Hubby is expected to go to our local court,as Nationwide want the full amount for a c/c debt which he isn't disputing. Never been to court what do we need to take what will happen.

CQ

dancingfairy

Hi. Try not to worry. I don't think it will be too scary. Do you know how long it's listed for? I expect it will last 5- 10 mins. You may have been given a time eg 2:00 but so will everyone who is meant to be there from 2:00 - 3;00 say so there may be a wait while everyone has their 5 minutes if you see what I mean. I would take along an SOA - don't know if you will get a chance to speak - I don't think many people turn up to these sorts of hearings - I don't think they really expect people to although obviously it shows willing if you do - I worked in a court but only very briefly so I only have a rough idea. I think it will probably be almost a rubber stamping affair - you go into a small room - poss 1 represenative on the other side, a judge, small table etc. If the debt is your husband's you might not be able to go in with him- you will be able to go and wait with him probably but it is up to the judge whether you can go in with him- you will need to ask the usher to ask hte judge if you want to do this.
Oh by the way - you go in - find where you're meant to be - sign in with the usher- VERY Important - otherwise they won't know you're there and wait until you are called.
If you/he does get a chance to speak I would make it short and to the point and explain you aren't disputing the debt and you would like to make an offer of payment of x amount per month - show SOA at this point- if you can get the judge to make the order to pay in installments it is better as otherwise you will have to fill in a sepearte form afterwards and will have to pay a fee and it generates loads of paperwork etc and may need to go back before the judge again.

Find out if it is a District Jude- I guess it will be - just be poilte - Sir or Madam is always appreciated as well when addressing them.

Hope that gives you a few ideas from my brief time at court temping what to expect - please do not worry.

dancingfairy

P.S I wouldn't bother dressing up too much - as long as you are neat and tidy - no ripped jeans etc. I saw very few people in suits etc - and they were only for divorce cases- most people just went in their everyday clothes - if they bothered to turn up.

craftingqueen_2

Thank you dancingfairy for answering my thread. It has put mine and my hubby's mind at ease.

CQ

davek1

have been a couple fo times. It pretty relaxed so try not to worry too much. I echo what Op have said be polite and if it helps write down what you want to say just in case you get a bit pphased.

Often CAB will have a person at court to help you. Use them they are very good.

Just explain your side of the story to the judge and let him/her make the decision. Make sure you have a clear breakdown of your income and expenditure and let the judge and the other sides rep see this as they wuill be much better informed to agree to your requests.

You may often be approached by the other sides rep use the opportunity to discuss the situation and if they can agree repayments with you based on your income etc then the whole process is so much easier, but dont be bullied and dont agree to anything that you cant afford.

Let us know how it all goes. Good luck
Dave

stebiz

craftingqueen wrote: »

Hubby is expected to go to our local court,as Nationwide want the full amount for a c/c debt which he isn't disputing. Never been to court what do we need to take what will happen.

CQ

Hi Craftingqueen,

I've been to court quite a few times. I have 2 cases going through at the moment. If you say he isn't disputing it, you have to ask yourself a question.....why turn up?? Why not just admit you owe it when the claim comes through??? Assuming it has gone that far.

Personally I would dispute it and attempt to get it made unenforceable. Have you asked for a copy of a CCA?

Stebiz

fatbelly

Why has it gone to a hearing?