French debt chased in UK

[Ives]

. I have a debt of €15k from a credit card from a French bank. I retired and came home to the UK intending to service the debt. Unfortunately, there was a marital break up and I can't pay more than about €50 per month. I have been contacted by email by a Hussier to contact ASAP. Should I reply and try to negotiate a low payment or ignore the mail - they don't have my address as yet.

Edited May 3, 2016 by Ives
Spelling error - should be Hussier

[renegadeimp]

First port of call is to provide as much info as possible. Dates, amounts, date of last payment etc. It might not even be enforceable.

[Ives]

Thanks Renegadeimp - I assume you mean that I should give these details to the Hussier and see what he/she comes back with?

[unclebulgaria67]

You should always try to stay in contact with creditors, so they don't get court judgements without you knowing about them.

 

I would suggest you don't respond to any email, as that is never a good idea.

 

Do you own any UK or French property assets ?

 

When did you last make any payment towards this credit card ?

[Ives]

Last (token) payment of €50 last Thursday - no assets in France but I do have a small pension from a European institution - my house in the UK is on mortgage (up to date) but no or no significant equity. Thanks Unclebulgaria67

[unclebulgaria67]

Last (token) payment of €50 last Thursday - no assets in France but I do have a small pension from a European institution - my house in the UK is on mortgage (up to date) but no or no significant equity. Thanks Unclebulgaria67

 

Deal with the French credit card company directly and in writing. Advise them of your current position and try to maintain regular payments you can afford. Up to you whether you provide your UK address, but if you want to know what is going on, this is best practice. They will trace you eventually anyway.

 

If you own any UK property, it might make you more interesting to UK debt collecting Solicitors, who might try to obtain a UK court judgement. This is less likely if you are making affordable payments.

 

Was there ever any period before this recent payment, where you did not make any repayments towards this debt for 6 years ?

[Ives]

Yes, I was paying the monthly payment of €400 or so but theN, on returning to the Uk in 2013, the marriage broke up and I now have to rent somewhere as my wife lives in the property. This circumstance led to not paying for a while and then I contacted the bank and said I would be paying 'something' each month. I imagine they don't think €50 pm is enough so hence the contact from the Hussier

[unclebulgaria67]

If you have made payments with no gap of 6 years, it is not statute barred under limitations law, so could be enforced in a UK court. There are cross border agreements on debt enforcement across the EU.

 

Was this credit card solely in your name ?

 

Are there any other debts solely in your name or joint with your wife ?

 

You should inform your wife of this debt and to let you know if any letters come to the address.

 

It might be worth looking into any debt relief solution that might be available in France. I don't know whether they have any solutuons that don't require bankruptcy. owning a property or having income above a certain level might bar you from some debt solutions.

[Ives]

Solely in my name

 

No other debts

 

She does forward letters to me

 

In your opinion then, should I disclose my current address - you said above that replying to an email is not a great idea but how can I deal with them in writing without doing so? My problem, I know and I do appreciate you advice unclebulgaria67

[unclebulgaria67]

Just looked at what Hussiers do in France. They appear to act for a court.

 

Do you think the French Bank are looking to gain court judgement or serve court papers where you are resident in the UK ?

 

I am not sure it is worth hiding, as they will catch up with you. I don't normally advocate responding to emails, but you could just email the Hussier back to ask for more information and proof of indentity, as you wish to avoid any potential internet sc*m.

 

If you find out what they are up to, you can at least try to deal with it. You might be able to come to an agreement, that avoids any court judgement,

[Ives]

Thanks for that, 67. I'll do that

[Ives]

Thanks for that, 67. I'll do that

 

Good evening 67.

I replied to the Hussier and offered €100 pm. They say they will accept €150pm which I can probably just about manage. However, do you think it is worth trying to get somewhere in between (€125?) or should I be grateful it's not a lot more than I can afford (€1000 or so)?

[unclebulgaria67]

Up to you to establish that the Hussier is genuine and not a sc*m. If genuine, it is surely up to you to negotiate repayment based on what you can afford. Only you know what you can afford to pay per month, as you know what bills you have currently and what bills you will have over the rest of the year.

 

I suspect the Hussier will always come back asking for more, knowing most people would not challenge.

[Ives]

Up to you to establish that the Hussier is genuine and not a sc*m. If genuine, it is surely up to you to negotiate repayment based on what you can afford. Only you know what you can afford to pay per month, as you know what bills you have currently and what bills you will have over the rest of the year.

 

I suspect the Hussier will always come back asking for more, knowing most people would not challenge.

 

Thanks for all the advice unclebulgaria67