Living in UK but have debts in Australia

[tyke2009]

Hi All,

 

I have recently moved back to the UK after living in Australia. I did accumilate some debt in Australia and i'm not able to keep up with the repayments due to lack of work in the current financial climate.

Does anyone know my legal situation with regards to this and can i be taken to court or forced to pay the debts in the UK?

Ps I do intend to pay the debt off eventually but i cannot see myself being in that position for some time.

 

Thanks

 

Tyke

[MrShed]

Without knowing the exact nature of the debts, and the law in Oz, we can only guess - but my guess is that the debts will be of a civil nature. As such, the chances of any kind of pursuit of you for the debts whilst resident abroad would be nigh on zero.

 

That said, this forum does not condone debt avoidance - as such, I would reiterate the point you have (rightly) made, that you do intend to repay the debt at some point.

[Bazooka Boo]

I'm also inclined to agree with MrShed. Although I would use this time as a little breathing space and work out how much you could pay back if they were indeed to track you down. Regardless of how little you think it is, that way then it will show willing, and even if you were to put that money aside each week or month again it will show willing, and if you aren't traced then it will be a nice little shopping spree. You would have to check the Limitations act for Oz, as it varies depending what part of Australia you were living in. I know that western Australia has a similar time period to the UK of 6 years.

[tyke2009]

Hi Mr Shed,

 

Thanks for your reply, I owe approx 8k sterling (depending on exchange rates) personal loan to an Australian bank.

 

Thanks Tyke

[tyke2009]

Hi Bazooka,

 

I lived in New South Waled, thanks for your advice i will look up the limitations act

 

Thanks Tyke

[MrShed]

If its a personal loan, then it is almost without doubt a civil matter, and as such no power to pursue outside of the country.

 

I assume you currently have no assets within Australia?

[tyke2009]

Hi Mr Shed,

 

Thanks once again no i don't have any assets in Australia,

 

Regards

 

Tyke