Court Date 27th June 2007. Help!!!

[diggers]

I've followed the step-by-step guide and sent to Abbey the letters as suggested, after various delaying letters they finally offered £510 in settlement of my claim for £965, which I declined. Abbey continued to dispute that their charges were unlawful, right up to my commencing a claim in the small claims court.

They posted what I believe is their standard defence (clause 8 "The fees reflect and are proportionate to the defendant's administrative expenses etc etc ).

I have received a Notice of Transfer of Proceedings from Northampton County Court to my local court but it stated that the Allocation Questionnaire has been dispensed with. I then received a General Form of Judgment from my local County Court dated 7th June 2007 stating that the claim is to be referred to the District Judge in paperwork on the 27th June but no directions were contained.

At this point in time I still haven't received any directions from my local court, which seems contrary to everyone else's experience. I have contacted the court who has advised that I don't need to attend, as the Judge would be reviewing approx 400 cases in "paperwork"!

I'm now worried that I need to send a response to Abbey's defence, even though I haven't received any court directions, together with copies of correspondence, schedule of charges etc. Is this now needed and more importantly have I left it to late!!!!

All advise/help greatly appreciated!!!.

Thanks
Diggers

[diggers]

Following on from the Court Date on 27th June we have just received a "General Form of Judgement or Order" stating that own courts own initive that the Allocation and Case Management Conference will take place on 17th July 2007 when you should attend!

Help what does this mean and what do we need to do?

Thanks

Diggers.

[Michael Browne]

This should help:
Court Date? - A Guide to Different Hearings
GOT A COURT DATE? A guide to the later stages

[alanfromderby]

This is fairly standard now, and is almost certainly a filtering process being adopted by the court in the knowledge that a large number of these cases will be settled prior to the hearing.

In the event that the claims is not settled prior to this hearing, the judge is likely to make an order for disclosure of some sort. That is the time when you will need to look at your next move.

[diggers]

Hi many thanks, court date was defered to today! keeping my fingers crossed.l

[Lula]

good luck, have they not been in touch?

[Robdblynd]

Good luck ....... come back and tell us whether they turned up won't you?

[diggers]

Worries for nothing,not as bad as I thought it would be. All Abbey cases on the day, approx 10 cases before mine. Abbey had a representative for all cases. None lasted longer than 5 minutes, as they came out everyone was saying 28 days. I was called in, the judge asked Abbey what their position was on my case, who replied that they hadn't received my schedule of charges, strange that as a matter of goodwill they were able to refund £500! Also the Northampton Court hadn't sent the schedule of charges which I sent the day following filing over the internet. Anyway the Judge directed that we present a copy of the charges both to Abbey and the Court within 14 days and adjourned the case for 28 days to allow Abbey to review their position. I gave copies of the shedule to the Court Usher to hand to both the Judge and Abbey Rep and was out in under 5 mins. Now waiting for either Abbey or the 28 days to go to Court!
Sorry if a bit lengthy but new to forums etc. but I'm trying to advise other who are waiting for a Court Management Conferance not to worry. Will advise the outcome later.

Diggers

[mickyn]

cheers diggers

iam in the same position as you and my meeting is set for the 25th july, i failed to send a schedule to the court only to abbey

i am a bit worried that this may have some effect on my case

i have recently submitted my schedule and hope tis will suffice

from reading your experience it looks as if may just delay as i can hand them in at court

am i right

mickyn

[diggers]

Hi Mickyn

I think you should be OK as long as Abbey have received their copy and don't try and stall (which seems to be quite common) I don't know if the Judge needs a copy but take a couple of spares and your letters sent to Abbey.

Is your a Court Management Conferance same as mine? if so don't worry the worst seems to be a 28 day adjornment to allow Abbey to review their position.

If a full case, then gen up on the Court Bundle and Statement of Evidence
GOT A COURT DATE? A guide to the later stages.

Good Luck and let us know how you got on

Diggers