Bailiffs Debt Problems

There can be few things more frightening than opening your door to bailiffs who advise they are here to seize your goods. Most people would panic, and not have any idea about their rights.

Firstly, bailiffs operate only in England and Wales. There are none in Scotland (the broadly similar equivalent is a Sheriff Officer). If the bailiffs visit your home, you don't have to let them in. They are not allowed to force entry but they can come in through an open window or unlocked door. If the bailiffs push past you once you open the door, or prevent you from closing the door on them, this would count as forced entry and this behaviour would make the entire process illegal. There are a couple of exceptions to this however, if the bailiffs are recovering magistrate court fines or money owed to HMRC, they can force entry or even break into your home. It's fair to say this is a last resort and uncommon.

If bailiffs arrive at your home, it's still possible to negotiate with them at that point to avoid any of your goods being seized. If you allow them access, they can seize non-essential items such as a TV or possessions outside your home such as a car. Certain items cannot be taken (such as most furniture, bedding, clothing, the tools of your trade - perhaps a PC for work, or joinery tools - and cookers/fridges).

If this is something you're worried about, please contact us for some free, no obligation advice.

We can also offer advice and assistance with all kinds of debt problems, with debt solutions such as debt management, remortgaging and consolidation as well as those specifically available in Scotland (protected trust deed, sequestration, The Debt Arrangement Scheme) and England & Wales (IVA, bankruptcy, Debt Relief Order and Administration Order).

Campbell Dallas Debt Solutions - if you have debt problems, we have debt solutions.

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