Not sure where to start with Debt for Sister

[wildchief]

Dear Forum

I am posting here because I was hoping for some advice for debt problems.

My sister has debts of about 30K (shockingly) she also has mental health problems and doesn't work.


Thank you for reading

[teaboy2]

Re: Not sure where to start with Debt for Sister

OK first things first. You need to send each of your sisters creditors (not the debt collectors) a Subject access request to ascertain what the debts are for and what charges have been added. Though this costs £10 for each request which is a statutory fee.

Once you have them back let us know what you find out from them and we can go from their.

[labman]

Re: Not sure where to start with Debt for Sister

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[wildchief]

Re: Not sure where to start with Debt for Sister

Hello and thank you

Just so I understand is the creditor the original person e.g Barclays and not Lowells?

OK first things first. You need to send each of your sisters creditors (not the debt collectors) a Subject access request to ascertain what the debts are for and what charges have been added. Though this costs £10 for each request which is a statutory fee.

Once you have them back let us know what you find out from them and we can go from their.

[wildchief]

Re: Not sure where to start with Debt for Sister

Hell Labman

Basically I came to this site by googling "dealing with lowells" as they seemed like the kind of company you would expect to see on "WatchDog" I wanted to see if they were for real.

I will definatley look up those organisations you mentioned and see what can be done.

Thank you

Personally I would not tryto tackle this on this site. I would go to one of the well known FREE debt charities and be guided by them (do not pay for advice!) These include, but are not limited to CAB, National Debtline, CCCS and Payplan.

If you want to get some excellent self help first, visit this site:

http://mymoney.nedcab.org.uk/moneyadvice/

It is very good.

[enaid]

Re: Not sure where to start with Debt for Sister

Hi, You don't say what your sisters health problems are or if they will worsen but it maybe worth considering a LPA (Lasting Power of Attorney)if it is a long term and severe illness. By doing that you can deal with her financial affairs now and in the future.
Enaid x

http://www.justice.gov.uk/forms/opg/...er-of-attorney

[wildchief]

Re: Not sure where to start with Debt for Sister

It is a little tough because she doesn't admit to the problems. The only time we managed to get some medical help was when she was sectioned. This adds to the burden of resolving the problems not being able to get her any help

Thank you

David

Hi, You don't say what your sisters health problems are or if they will worsen but it maybe worth considering a LPA (Lasting Power of Attorney)if it is a long term and severe illness. By doing that you can deal with her financial affairs now and in the future.
Enaid x

http://www.justice.gov.uk/forms/opg/...er-of-attorney

[labman]

Re: Not sure where to start with Debt for Sister

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[bluebottle]

Re: Not sure where to start with Debt for Sister

If a person is sectioned for more than 28 days, an application for a LPOA can be made in certain circumstances. However, do check with the Office of the Public Guardian, as mentioned in Enaid's post, as to the current situation as the Mental Capacity Act 2005 did change things when it was enacted. I am somewhat concerned about the actions of those who let your sister take out credit cards, etc.. Therefore, follow up on what Labman advises in his last post.

[teaboy2]

Re: Not sure where to start with Debt for Sister

Hello and thank you

Just so I understand is the creditor the original person e.g Barclays and not Lowells?

Yes Barclays are the original creditor.

[wildchief]

Re: Not sure where to start with Debt for Sister

Hello

That is very useful info. I had not heard of MALG.

Thank you very much - if she could get some written off that would be amazing

If a POA is not feasible, I still think going to a professional debt charity is your best option. Google MALG - they have forms designed specifically to help people like your sister so the creditors treat them sympathetically. Sometimes they will write off sizeable debts.

[wildchief]

Re: Not sure where to start with Debt for Sister

She wasn't sectioned for long she was then assigned visits from the community mental health team for a while having home visits.

I will do what labman suggests and thanks to all.

If a person is sectioned for more than 28 days, an application for a LPOA can be made in certain circumstances. However, do check with the Office of the Public Guardian, as mentioned in Enaid's post, as to the current situation as the Mental Capacity Act 2005 did change things when it was enacted. I am somewhat concerned about the actions of those who let your sister take out credit cards, etc.. Therefore, follow up on what Labman advises in his last post.

[enquirer]

Re: Not sure where to start with Debt for Sister

So now they have just setup a standing order "payment plan" for me based on the £2 pound payments I made.

Is the payment plan in your name, or your sisters? Have the payments been made on your cheque, credit card etc? It is not unknown for debt collectors to raid someone else's account if given the necessary information.

[bluebottle]

Re: Not sure where to start with Debt for Sister

Hello

That is very useful info. I had not heard of MALG.

Thank you very much - if she could get some written off that would be amazing

Do you know if it was the Assertive Outreach Team or Community Health Liaison Team who visited your sister and are they still attending?

[labman]

Re: Not sure where to start with Debt for Sister

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