I'm hoping there is somebody on here who can offer some advice. I'm very worried. Please bear with me, I'll try and be concise.
I own a house which also comes with a annual service charge. During a very messy and horrible divorce with my ex husband I put off paying it. I know 100% that's my fault but I was going through such a terrible time it was just too much to handle too. The management company escalated it to a solicitor who charged me £900 after sending two letters (one of which I didn't receive, I've explained that to the solicitors and they told me I needed to prove I hadn't received it!). I paid the service charge debt to the management company and took advice from Citizens Advice and emailed the solicitors to tell them it had been paid and ask them to stop chasing their exorbitant fees. I had no reply.
After a few weeks my mortgage company wrote to me and said they will pay the full amount they're being told is owed - not true as it is now only the solicitors fees owed which I'm in dispute over - if I don't pay the full amount. I can't allow that to happen as my ex is trying to force me to sell the house (which is home to our two children) and he will be able to use that against me.
The management company do not answer telephone calls or emails in anyway so I can't explain to them and ask them to call off the solicitors. I'm going to contact the solicitors and try to reason with them but they seem like a very unpleasant company based on their charges and response to my first call.
I know this might seem like I'm the kind of person who just doesn't want to deal with something I've created but I was going through such a horrible time including child protection court hearings due to my ex's behaviour. I wish I'd just paid it but now there is no-one who will speak to me about it. I don't seem to have the right to deal with anything.
I'm reaching out in desperation, hopefully some site members and contributors can offer some advice?