High Court writ and bailiff visit, what are my options now?

[Solittletimenow]

I need some advice.

I have gotten into a chunk of debt that I am working my way through and paying off, I have managed to get from 20k down to 6k over the past 2 years, however a bailiff visited today with a high court writ and I am in a blind panic.
I do not have 3k whatsoever and I dont have any means of getting it any time soon.
I am not sure what my options are, it is incredibly stressful, I have 3 children to feed which on its own is a huge struggle right now and their father isnt around anymore.
Does anyone have any practical advice or have been in a similar situation and know how to deal with it?

Have you contacted Step Change?

Have you applied for breathing space?

Do you have children?

Re your last question. Read the op.

Ive been in a similar situation, my lovely ex partner walked out on me and our baby, leaving me in debt I knew nothing about, including CCJs, bailiffs etc.

A bailiff visited to post a high court writ (I think thats what it was) but I wasnt home. I rang her and explained the situation, ie since I'd found out I've done everything to pay the debts off, contacted SC and was in the process of an IVA. She was absolutely lovely and helped me.

Can you contact Step Change? I found them very helpful.

Well done for paying off such a large amount, you should be very proud of yourself.

OP has 3 children.

I am about to ring stepchange, but he is coming back tomorrow
I was hoping someone had an idea for what I could immediately do, I worked my ass off getting a better paid job and the bailiff wants an order of control I think its called for my car, its a crappy little thing I saved for but without it I cant get to and from work.

Can you post in AIBU or Chat? It will reach a wider audience so someone might be able to help more.

What did SC say? Can you try Citizens Advice too?

I'm sorry you're in this position.

Im a debt adviser at Citizens Advice. If the debt is for a CCJ they will have just paid to use High Court Enforcement to make it sound scarier. Move your car well away from your property (ie a few streets away) and don’t let the bailiffs in or sign anything. They can’t force entry if you haven’t signed a controlled goods agreement. Call Stepchange and ask to be entered into Breathing Space. That’ll give you 60 days protection from enforcement. If you didn’t present the court with your means (income / outgoings) at the time of the CCJ you can apply to vary the order to make payments more affordable.

You can also apply to the court to suspend the warrant using an N245 form which will also allow you to propose affordable payments. Citizens Advice, Stepchange or National Debtline can offer advice on this.

Contact step change, they will help you contact the original debt holder. You can then work out if you need to make an agreement with the bailiff or the original debt holder. Any communication with the bailiff , use email to their company, create a paper trail.
Know your rights regarding what the bailiff is allowed to do. They cannot force their way into your home. Don't agree to sign anything.
You're classed as 'vulnerable' if you're a single parent, you don't have to answer the door even.

Same as PP have said. It’s terrifying (I’ve been there) but they have no powers if you don’t let them in. Move your car as far away as you can. Keep your doors locked too, I once had one open the door.
what is the original debt for? Breathing space is a good idea. Stepchange helped me with it a couple of years ago. It was easy to set up online.

If you are on Facebook, join beat the banks & bailiffs, they will give you immediate help and advice on how to deal with this.

Do you have a friend or neighbour (a few streets away) who will allow you to park your car on their drive? The bailiff may find it if you leave it in the street .They
cannot take a car from a private drive for which they dont have a warrant without a specific writ. Its illegal. As other pp have said do not let them in and you do not have to answer the door to them. Contact stepchange and ask them to negotiate on your behalf.

Congrats on paying off so much debt in so short a time. Dont let these epeople bully you.

Thank you to everyone that's offered some advice. I've filled in and emailed an N245 form to see if I can sort an arrangement out.

Its just all so overwhelming right now. I have no financial help from my kids dad, no family in a position to help, working all the hours I possibly can just to keep food on the table and going without myself to pay debts and try and provide for my kids. Its a horrible position to be in and today has Just pushed me over the edge. I'm thankful for the responses here

Definitely get advice - a debt advice charity can help with the N245 and to make sure what you’re offering is affordable. Breathing Space would be very helpful and is free - though you can only use it once a year.

No advice but well done on getting your debt down. Good luck and stay strong x

as Above, move your car to a friends driveway and don’t open the door. They can be intimidating and put their foot in the door. Talk through a closed door only