Kensington Mortgage Shortfall-Please Help!

[Dolly6]

In October 06, my husband told me at 8.30am that the house was being re-possessed and the locks changed at 11am. I had absolutely no idea that anything was wrong with the mortgage as he had become very good at intercepting the postman on his round and hiding our post.
We have since split up over this and other debt related matters that have come to light since. I now live with my 13 year old son in a privately rented flat and survive on drawings from my business and tax credits. My husband has paid me only three weeks agreed child support since Christmas and refuses to tell me where he is living so I can't tell his creditors or the CSA.
On Saturday I got a letter from Optima Legal Services on behalf of Kensington advising me of the shortfall on the mortgage of £18.000 and asking how I proposed to pay it back. I rang them this morning, told them of my situation and they said they would send an income and expenditure form out and I was to return it within 7 days.
I have no problem with this, I've done one before for them when it all happened but I am getting worried that as I can't pay them anything back at the moment and they can't get to my husband that they might consider making me bankrupt.
Does anyone know if this is an option for them?
Have I done the right thing so far?
Any advice would be really appreciated.

[OLIVE.FAMILY]

Hi there Dolly6 I am really sorry to hear about your situation. My only advice to you is to speak to the Consumer Credit Counselling Service. You will find them at CCCS - Free Debt Advice from the UK's Leading Debt Charity. These guys are fab they do not judge and they are free. They will help fill out and Income and expenditure form realisticly. You will be surprised what you actually allowed to spend on. They will also be able to advise you on wheather or not you are acountable for the full debt. It shouldnt be down to you to track down your ex husband.

Hope this helps.

Olives

[Dolly6]

Thanks OlivesThe man I spoke to today said I was liable for 50% of the debt but if I paid more I could claim the excess back from my husband. Some hope!!My problem is, I work 6 days a week and as its my own business I would have to close in order to go and see someone and would lose income, so I'm in a catch 22 at the momentDolly

[OLIVE.FAMILY]

CCCSwill do it all over the phone and then send it on to you. They may even open Sundays. You just need to make sure that you have all your bills and creditors to hand as they will want amounts.

Trust me they really helped me out. I cannot praise them enough.

Olives

[Dolly6]

I'll give them a ring this week.
The last time I filled in Kensington's form was 18 months ago but nothing has changed since.

Dolly

[OLIVE.FAMILY]

You are right this is the sort of comapny that will never change. It is always a case of covering your own back and trying to be one step ahead of them all the time. PLEASE just make sure you do everything in writing and send it recorded to Kensington and Optima so whatever they do you always have proof of what you have offered. I certainly dont think they have the power to bankrupt you. I may be wrong but i dont think they control you anymore.

Good Luck

Olives xx

[Dolly6]

I rang CCCS as you suggested and have got an appointment with a debt counsellor in 2 weeks time. Rang the solicitors acting for the mortgage company to tell them this and they are willing to wait for CCCS to do a budget.
Thanks for your advice, it does help to have someone sort things out for you.

Dolly x

[OLIVE.FAMILY]

That is good news. Fingers crossed that it goes your way. Goodluck
Keep us posted
Olivesxx

[Dolly6]

Will do.
Thanks again

Dolly x