Can I start paying even though I'm disputing debt?

[Sirensinger]

Hi, apologies if someone's already discussed this, I couldn't find anything on here.

I have debts with several banks of which I'm disputing part, ie the charges. However, I don't dispute the rest of the amounts owed. The debts have all been sent to DCAs. It's taking me quite a while to organise all the paperwork and get on with the claims, and in the meantime, dealing with all the threatening letters etc. is getting a bit wearing (I seem to be bogged down with sending letters all the time) - I've managed to make the DCAs back off a bit, but some are being bolshy, and I know I'll have to start paying them eventually, so I would really like to get some payment arrangements sorted out with them now. I've held off doing this as I thought I shouldn't pay them anything until the court cases were over. Is this the case, or could I start to make arrangements with them for the actual amounts owing, and just make it clear that I won't be including the amounts for the charges?

I'd be very grateful to know whether this would be OK, or would I be messing things up for myself if I make any payments at all?


Many thanks to anyone with the answer!

Sirensinger

[e28bigalbexley]

Hi Siren
Welcome to Cag
Well done you have taken the first step to regaining your money.
Start here http://www.consumeractiongroup.c o....se-read-these/

Then try this Step-By-Step Instructions

You should continue to pay what you can afford to the DCA's. And claim back your money at the same time. Send them all letters telling them the account is in dispute due to penalties levied on the account. There are ways of stopping there harassment at least by the phone have a look here http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk...iliffs-advice/ at some of the posts, it may well take you a few days to trawl through the posts and understand what to do but it should be well worth the effort

Then when you have fully understood whats going to happen post in your banks forum.
Then be sure to keep everyone updated on you progress.

AL

[Sirensinger]

Thanks AL! I have been reading on here for quite a while, and have found answers to many of my questions, but what I wasn't sure about was whether it was legally advisable or not to agree to pay anything while disputing an amount - I wondered if maybe it would cause a problem if the case gets to court, such as perhaps I would be regarded as agreeing that I owed the whole debt. If that's not the case, I'd much rather get some payments sorted out now - shall only be paying them about £1 a month anyway, as I'm in dire financial difficulty!

Anyway, shall let the site know how my case progresses.

Sirensinger

[e28bigalbexley]

Hi Siren
I believe the only thing you should be aware of is that the companys involved could offset your repayment of penalties against money owed.
Just in case you started booking tropical holidays

AL

[Sirensinger]

Hi Al, thx for your reply, but sorry I'm a bit thick, what do you mean by 'offset my payment of penalties against money owed'? The kind of amounts, by the way, are, for example, several hundred to a thousand owed, of which £200 or so is penalties. Just in case this makes a difference.

Cheers anyway!

Sirensinger

[e28bigalbexley]

Well if they repay you say £200 they could pay it off you debt so as to reduce it.

AL