Received ‘Notice Of Seizure’ – Help!

Deisel_Weisel

I’ve ignored a situation of owing a bill to a company, and it caught up with me this morning. An Enforcement Officer visited my parents house (where I live) to hand over a High Court form #55, ‘Notice Of Seizure’, which I think is some kind of writ. The reason I’ve not paid this bill is because this company provided a poor service, at a critical time for my small business, which has resulted in lost income over the years. Because of this I offered them 10% of what was owed. It was rejected. Then the court papers started arriving, and I think at that point I had an opportunity to put my side of things, but I just kept ignoring them – because I was busy trying to save my ailing business, (and partly because of depression that I suffer from).
Anyway, according to the #55 document that arrived this morning, the amount now owed is £6446. The original money outstanding was £3890. It’s grown by 66% through interest and court costs. I cannot afford to pay this, and I don’t see why I should pay it, because the amount of lost revenue over the years, that I’ve lost through their poor service has cost me maybe ten times that amount.
Can someone please tell me what I need to do now to start to get out of this nightmare.

fermi

Start by having a read through the info in this link.

Factsheet | Dealing with debts in the High Court

At first I thought that proceedings couldn't be taken to the High Court for enforcement if the debt was as small as yours, but if you read further into the factsheet it appears that in some instances they can.

You need to get some expert advice ASAP, so perhaps calling National Debtline for advice once you have finished reading the information in their factsheet would be a good idea?

Deisel_Weisel

Sincere thanks, fermi. Called National Debtline, very helpful. I think I’ve first got to apply for a ‘Stay Of Execution’, and get some legal advice from Community Legal Advice, where I might qualify for legal aid, or they can at least put me through to a suitable solicitor in my area.
Looks like I’ve lost my opportunity to put my side of things to the courts, but I can still threaten to counter sue the company involved, and they will hopefully think twice and settle this whole thing for a smaller payment.This company sent us bogus performance reports, to try and make their service look better, than the poor service we received. I think that’s one of the bigger barrels we have them over. But at the moment they have me over a barrel =o/

fermi

Hi .

I'm glad you've made some progress and have got some advice that may well help.

Sounds as if you have a bit of a fight, but half the battle is knowing where to start. Good luck!