Dutch Debt

[Sozzals]

...............

Edited March 11, 2009 by Sozzals

[ScarletPimpernel]

Firstly, try not to worry too much about this.

 

The first step is not to talk to them on the phone; keep everything in writing.

 

They say they won't accept instalments - but have they said what they'll do if he didn't pay by 30 June? There is very little the Dutch bank can do. The very worst thing that can happen is a CCJ - and a court would only order affordable repayments.

 

The collection of consumer debt in the UK requires a Consumer Credit Licence issued by the Office of Fair Trading. You may need to remind the bank that whilst your partner is resident in NI, UK law applies.

 

I suspect this will get passed to a UK based DCA, which will, ironically, make it easier to deal with.

 

Mainland-based DCAs are usually ignorant of the NI Courts system, and the new Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations mean that many will trap themselves if they use their standard letters and threaten action that cannot be taken or miss out facts (for example, threatening bailiffs when there is no such thing in NI).

 

Wait and see what their next letter says, and then we can help you with a response.

[Sozzals]

.........

Edited March 11, 2009 by Sozzals