I had a house repossessed due to a relationship breakdown at the end of 1994. The mortgage was with Nationwide and I am currently being chased for the outstanding debt by Hammond Suddards Edge solicitors of Bradford. I think they first wrote to me claiming a shortfall in 2000. I was scared and threw the letter away. I didn't know then everything I've learnt on sites like these, so when the letters kept coming I did ring the solicitors. Since 1994 my life has changed a lot. I'm now married with children and work part time in a low paid job. I don't own any assets and earn 70 pounds a week which goes on childcare and food and essentials. That's what I told them and they said if that was the case there would be little point in chasing the debt of 20k. My circumstances haven't changed since I contacted them. Although I have moved house. Their persistent and threatening letters still keep coming though. I don't want to respond to their constant fishing expeditions for my financial info. I don't have anything to give them, but I guess I am married so have a share in this new home which they could try and force us to sell and leave our family homeless despite the debt having nothing to do with my husband right?(posted 7885 days ago)Their last letter says they now have no option but to advise their client to consider commencing legal action against me. Should their client choose to take this action court documents will be served on me shortly.
My husband thinks we should ask them to provide clear details of the breakdown of the outstanding debt, put it in writing that until I am satisfied with their response that I do not accept the debt as being binding, mention the 6 year rule (we need to check the dates very closely as it would be borderline between the repo and their first contact - I bet it falls just within it though.) I feel annoyed that I was bullied into responding in the first place because it looks like I accepted the debt. I was scared and harassed and didn't know to look for help. That probably means I can't now say I don't accept it doesn't it? Could I say that I've taken advice and now need to know the following points, or complain at their threatening stance and say the one previous contact was made under duress.
Anyone got any ideas what I can do?
At this point in my life I really don't have anything to offer them. But I don't want my new family home to be taken from us. What's the best way for me to proceed? Can someone give me a few ideas what to do or say to them?