Please help- I'm going to become homeless!

pnq · 20th December 2007, 18:19

Hi all,

I have received a bailiffs letter this morning demanding payment for a debt which I just can't pay off!!!

I've been to court over it and the courts issued a liability order so now its in the hands of the bailiffs

I had tried to negotiate payment to the people that the debt originates from but they wanted the £525 in full...

I had already been to citizens advice who tried to reassure me that no action could be taken as I was heavily pregnant and not in any kind of state to work etc. The only thing that the citizens advice did for me was to send them a letter telling them that I was living in rented property with my partner and the property is rented in his name and that I don't own any possessions other than the clothes on my back which is true....

I've just phoned my partner to tell him about the letter and basically I either find the money or I'm out with a 6 week old baby as he doesn't want the trouble....

What are my options and can the bailiffs force there way into a house which isn't mine and take stuff which doesn't belong to me????

Please help- I am so worried that I may be homeless soon

Thank you...

payingonlyencouragesthem · 20th December 2007, 18:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by pnq

What are my options and can the bailiffs force there way into a house which isn't mine and take stuff which doesn't belong to me????

Please help- I am so worried that I may be homeless soon

Thank you...

Bailiffs can't force their way in - make sure you keep doors and windows shut / locked at all times as they can enter if anything is opened. They certainly can't take other people's stuff. If the worse does happen your local authority is obliged to house someone in your situation so don't panic.

pnq · 20th December 2007, 18:47

Thanks for your fast reply- unfortunately it is my partner that I'm scared of losing and not the big scary debt collectors!!!

I received the letter today, yet it was dated the 14/12 and gave me 7 days to pay in full which is up to tomorrow- is that a tactic of theirs?

Do you also mean that when they come to the door that I should walk outside and shut and lock it behind me? Do I have to open the door as technically I am not down as living there?

Really sorry for all the q's

Having_A_Knightmare · 20th December 2007, 18:54

Do not open the door to the baliffs and you will be fine.

HAK

payingonlyencouragesthem · 20th December 2007, 19:21

Quote:

Originally Posted by pnq

Thanks for your fast reply- unfortunately it is my partner that I'm scared of losing and not the big scary debt collectors!!!

I received the letter today, yet it was dated the 14/12 and gave me 7 days to pay in full which is up to tomorrow- is that a tactic of theirs?

Do you also mean that when they come to the door that I should walk outside and shut and lock it behind me? Do I have to open the door as technically I am not down as living there?

Really sorry for all the q's

Just don't open the door to anyone, at least not without the chain on. Thanks for the rep

.

2Grumpy · 20th December 2007, 19:21

And make sure that any windows that can be easily climbed through are closed.

Having_A_Knightmare · 20th December 2007, 19:23

Just had a thought. i could be wrong but County Court Baliffs are usually prett y good.

Have you called the Court up and told them your situation.

HAK

morteee · 20th December 2007, 20:47

let me just ask for clarification here, your partner has threatened to chuck you out with a small baby if you dont pay this rather small debt?????

if so not exactly supportive is it

Bigmac versus · 20th December 2007, 21:40

Morteee I was thinking the same there.

Moved to bailiffs for further help

Patma · 20th December 2007, 22:04

Hi pnq,
You and your little one could definitely do with some support right now and one things for sure, you'll get plenty of practical advise and friendly support here.
I think it was a good suggestion from Having A Nightmare to ring the court and speak to them about your situation and in the meantime as everyone else has said, keep your doors and windows firmly closed. Please keep us updated.
All the best, Patma

pnq · 20th December 2007, 23:39

Oh my- I am totally overwhelmed by all the replies!!!!

Thank you...

Unfortunately my partner isn't very supportive since we found out that I was pregnant and this is probably a good excuse for him to kick us out but I don't want to leave because I moved 200 miles away from family etc. to be with and don't the area etc. but thats another story....

So basically I need to avoid the bailiffs and ring the court, anyone in particular that I need to speak too? So sorry for all the q's

morteee · 20th December 2007, 23:46

cant advise you on the baliffs and court matter but if I were you I would leave that muppet right now!

ANY father who is prepared to see his infant child and the mother of his child out on the streets is a tawt (rearrange letters) of the first degree in my opinion!

obviously I dont know the background to your situation but he doesnt sound like a very nice person

pnq · 20th December 2007, 23:54

Well he certainly isn't the same man that I met 3 years ago

In a way I understand where he's coming from though cos he's got £20k of his own debts that he just about manages to pay each month so he doesn't want someone coming into his home and taking his stuff for a debt thats not his...

But I also understand your point

I shouldn't be living life like this at 23 years old

Brassed off · 21st December 2007, 00:15

pnq

Couldn't you move back home?

You have to think for two now

chris600uk · 21st December 2007, 01:45

Hi, pnq,

I've just read your first post.

Doesn't look like you're left with much choice does it.

You said you haven't got the money.
They say they want it all now.
And he says pay it or get out.

He's the one reducing your options - when I was your age the first person I'd yell for was Mum.

I suggest discussing it with your parents or family or someone you trust, at least you won't feel so alone.

Tell us what it's for and how you got to this point, it will help everyone here share useful knowledge with you.

It's worked for me, and I owe thousands in council tax.
I use to panic and do nothing, but now I listen to the folks on this site and take control of the situation.

Hope that helps, and remember that you will get through this, and you will look back on it someday soon and either smile or shudder.

Regards,

Chris.

Hippy-chick · 21st December 2007, 01:46

Just popping in to subscribe and add my support.

No - you should not be living like this at ANY age, pnq.

As Bo says, think about you and the wee one.

And we're all here on your side.

xx

rory32 · 21st December 2007, 02:11

Quote:

I have received a bailiffs letter this morning demanding payment for a debt which I just can't pay off!!!

I've been to court over it and the courts issued a liability order so now its in the hands of the bailiffs

I had tried to negotiate payment to the people that the debt originates from but they wanted the £525 in full...

What is the debt for? I assume it's for council tax as a liability order was granted.

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