Q. I've got a court hearing but I can't attend. What should I do?
A. Wherever possible, make every effort to attend. If you have a joint mortgage,
only one person need attend. Your home is at risk so making yourself available
is extremely important. If you absolutely cannot attend, set out your position in writing,
and confirm to the court what you would like to do.
Q. Do I need a lawyer to attend Court?
A. No. You can get one but they are expensive, typically £130-175 per hour + VAT.
This money is often better spent in an offer to repay the arrears. Some courts have
Debt Councillors available at repossession hearings (some Citizen's Advice Bureaus
provide this service) who can help. Ask the court usher upon arrival.
Q. The Court has made an order for possession / eviction. Is there anything I can do?
A. Yes. You can contact Repossession Helpline to see if we can structure a solution.
See 'How We Can Help'
Q. How quickly can Repossession be Stopped?
A. Depending upon the circumstances, we can stop repossession right up to the date
of eviction. See 'How We Can Help'. However, we strongly recommend that you contact
us as soon as possible so that we can examine your situation and try to put together
a solution to save your home.
Q. If I hand back the keys is that the end of my worries?
A. No. The lender will sell the house. If there is a shortfall, the lender can recover
this from you for up to 12 years (5 years in Scotland). You will also be responsible
for ongoing mortgage interest payments until sale and all sale costs. This will
include locksmiths costs, solicitors fees on repossession and re-sale, surveyors
fees, estate agents fees and utility bills.
Q. Will my credit rating be affected?
A. Yes. A County Court Judgment will be registered against you which will remain
on the Register of County Court Judgments for 6 years. The lender will also register
your repossession on the Council of Mortgage Lenders register which will make obtaining
a future mortgage very difficult
Q. Do Repossession Helpline make any charges for their service?
A. None, ever, guaranteed. If we are able to put forward a solution to save your
home, all the costs, including survey's and legal fees are covered by ourselves
All calls are free, and we make no charge for our service - you have nothing to
lose, so please call our 24 Hour helpline to speak to one of our experts now.
|