Marstons. Are they allowed to do this?

[daz6966]

Hi all
looking for a bit of advice. Long story short, received a court fine and took a while getting round to sorting it. I've got depression and struggle to tackle things like this.
Anyway I paid the fine in full on 9 December. Got receipt from the court. All is good.
A few days later I received a letter from Marsdens about potential visits etc etc. the letter wAs dated 10 December ( one day after the fine was paid).
I phoned Marsdens and they asked me to send in proof of payment, which I did straight away.

Then i I received a letter just after new year from Marsdens saying that they had spoken to the court and were advised to pursue payment of their fees £300 which they say I must pay by the end of January.

Are Marsdens just trying it on or do they have any right to pursue their fees?

the key thing to note is that the first letter from marsdens was dated one day after the fine was paid in full.

[bizzybob]

Re: Marstons. Are they allowed to do this?

Contact the court and ask them why as the fine was paid in full a Marstons bailiff is trying to make you pay it all over again, this time with their fees added on.

[bluebottle]

Re: Marstons. Are they allowed to do this?

In addition to Bizzybob's advice, I would add that Marstons are not entitled to £300 unless they can prove the following -

a. That they have sent a letter, in which case they can charge £85; and
b. That they have actually visited your home, in which case they can charge £215.

If they cannot prove either or both, they are being very economical with the truth. Speak to the court asap and confirm what is going on.

[Monkey Drunk]

Re: Marstons. Are they allowed to do this?

Was your payment to the Court in response to the Court's "Next Steps Letter" ?

[bluebottle]

Re: Marstons. Are they allowed to do this?

Was your payment to the Court in response to the Court's "Next Steps Letter" ?

The OP has alluded to depression. Therefore, issues of vulnerability and inability to deal with everyday matters. Believe it or not, depression can be debilitating. Ask a mental health professional.

[ploddertom]

Re: Marstons. Are they allowed to do this?

a. That they have sent a letter, in which case they can charge £85;

The £85 charge is loaded on to the account when instructions are received from HMCTS, they then may send a letter to allow the debtor to pay before it goes up following a visit.

[CleverClogs]

Re: Marstons. Are they allowed to do this?

The £85 charge is loaded on to the account when instructions are received from HMCTS,

For which fee the bailiff company does next to bugger all.

they then may send a letter to allow the debtor to pay before it goes up following a visit.

But, of course, it's more lucrative if they don't send a letter but let the bailiff turn up unannounced.