Hello everyone Could someone give me an idea of how to proceed with a fairly large amount of debt? I have personal debts totalling just over £20k With Cahoot, Natwest, Citi Cards and Egg. I also have a CCJ against me for 3000 from Lombard direct. Since accumulating these debts I have moved in my partner. None of these debts are in joint names. Our house is solely in my partner’s name. Until now, I’ve had my head in the sand, thinking if I ignored it, it might go away. I thought it pretty pointless communicating with the creditors, especially as I have not earned a penny over the last two years. All these debt collectors want is, of course, your money. I quickly learnt trying to deal with them was a fruitless exercise, so I stopped. I have been in contact with a couple of debt help companies who have been very helpful. However the end decision is with me, as to how I proceed. My dilemma is how to proceed for the best. My partner and I wish to get married and have children so I must sort this situation out. Since I wound up my business, I have been renovating my partner’s house. If the increase in its value is sufficient, should I try to offer settlements to these companies or cut my losses and declare myself bankrupt? I am a little worried about the ramifications bankruptcy my have for us. Does anyone have experience of bankruptcy? Is it worth going through? The alternative is the IVA. It has been several years since making any payments and the debts have long since been handed over to various debt collectors and solicitors. I only have around £900 to £1000 pounds to call my own and I know if I offered just a fraction of the debt amount the creditors will laugh at it. I have no actual income at present as I am renovating the house and living on my partner’s salary. If this arrangement works for us then we will continue renovating a house while living in it and then selling it on. It’s tax-free profit and I enjoy the work. However it is not good news for my creditors. Telling them I am not working is technically true but not what they want to hear. Even if they tried “attachment to earnings”, I earn nothing and they will get nothing from me. It seems strange to me that in the two years my head was in the sand, nothing has happened with these debts. None, have gone to court, no debt collectors have called. Only the amount owed has gone up. I do wonder what would happen if I did nothing. Ultimately, when and what would happen? I am aware no one can fully grasp the situation from my perspective but would still appreciate to hear your thoughts and ideas. Thank you for any suggestions you may have. Regards Larry.

Good morning everyone. Could someone help in answering a few questions about debt collectors and bailiffs? I have some bad debt problems totalling over 20k with 5 different banks and credit card companies. One debt has already gone to a ccj for 4k. I moved into my partner’s house when these debts got out of control. I have made sure no utility bills are in my name. The only bill my name appears on is council tax. Apparently it is an offence not to inform the council of someone living at an address. I did not inform my creditors of my moving. However they have obviously found my name on the electoral role. I am now concerned these debts will turn ugly and worry it will implicate my partner. Even if I am technically only staying with her and the house is solely in her name, can bailiffs still try to gain entry to the house? I am worried what will happen if my partner is here on her own and a bailiff tries gaining entry. My partner is not as wise as I am to these people and I do not want to worry her by giving her orders not to open windows or answer the door to strangers etc. I used to work for myself. The business had a bad year and lost money. I got into debt trying to keep going until business picked up. It did not pick up. My partner and I have decided I will renovate her house and we will live on her income until the house is complete. I wondered what my creditors might make of this. Does anyone have any ideas as to how to say to these people “sorry I will not be earning a penny for the foreseeable future”? Is it worth writing and telling them I can and only at a stretch pay about £500 lump sum towards my debt? Thank you for any help or information you might be able to give. Regards Larry.