Thanks for the responses. Firstly I am worried about the 'getting settled' bit. Once I get back to UK I will need to rent somewhere and I expect all landlords look into credit references. So this could prove to be a stumbling block as I am sure I do have details registerd against my name but I cannot access them to see. As I posted, I am unable to get access to my credit records because when I fill in the details on line I cannot get past the fact that I do not have a UK address. each website sends me back to the 'postcode' that is not recognised. Any ideas please?

I really do not know how to proceed with my problem so any advice would be greatly appreciated. I have been living in Spain for the past 10 years and still have my HSBC account and a Tesco credit card that I have always been up to date with and they are no problem at all. Over the time here though, due to diminishing funds and no work I have defaulted on 2 other credit cards and did not make the last 2 payments on a Barclayloan. I have had letters from varying collection agencies that I have ignored over the past few years. In fact the debts seem to have changed hands quite a lot. I am now in the process of selling up to move back to UK. I will have some funds after the sale of my house, but not enough to buy again once in UK. As I will have some money I am wondering whether I should try to trace whoever has bought my debts and make an offer to repay, or whether to just keep quiet and hope they go away. I have not had any correspondence from anyone in about a year and I have not replied to anyone in about 3 years. As I still have my HSBC account (been a customer for about 30 years) and my Tesco Credit card (had for about 15 years) these 2 institutions will have my new address once I get one in UK. Will whoever now owns my old debts be able to follow a trail and find me once I have moved? Should I approach them first or just keep quiet? I do not know what my credit report has listed against me as any time I have tried to register to view it I cannot get past the fact I do not have a UK post code.

The credit card debts are in my late husband's name. The house is abroad and was bought outright in joint names, but later a mortgage (in joint names) was taken out. This will be paid off when the property is sold. My late husband willed his half of the property to me but as there are taxes to be paid to transfer into my sole name it remains in joint names until I can find a buyer. The 'estate' is made up solely of the property, there was nothing else.

Together, my husband and I lived in an EU country for 10 years. Last year he died leaving crdit card debts in UK (Approx 20K). For the last 3 or 4 years he was unable to maintain the payments and started to ignore any correspondence he received from these companies. The debt was passed on to Collection Agencies and he ignored these too. Now I am concerned that I am liable for these debts. We jointly owned our house that is now for sale, but there has been little interest from prospective purchasers due to the current economic climate. What is the best option for me? Currently I am struggling to survive on a small pension and barely manage to make ends meet. If I manage to sell the house I want to return to UK and try to purchase a property there. But must I pay my husband's debts from the sale? And will the companies trace me when I move? I have a UK bank account that my pension is paid into, so I am not exactly off the radar.