Received a County Court Bailiff Letter? What You Need To Know

Are you dealing with a County Court Bailiff letter about a debt you owe? You’re not alone. Every month, more than 4,600 people come to us for advice on court matters and debts.

In this article, we’ll help you:

• Understand what a County Court Bailiff letter is and why you got one.
• Know what steps you should take next.
• Learn about the role and duties of bailiffs.
• Explore options to possibly reduce your debt.
• Find out what to do if bailiffs visit your home.

Getting a court letter can cause worry and stress. We understand this because some of us have faced similar situations. We’re here to guide and help you through this difficult time. You’re not alone, and together, we can find a solution to your debt problem.

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Why did I get a County Court Bailiff Letter?

You get a County Court bailiff letter when you fail to comply with the court’s debt repayment order. The court then sends bailiffs to collect the overdue money using different legally allowed measures.

What happens if I ignore a County Court letter?

It may sound relieving to ignore the County Court letter, but this isn’t the best course of action to take. Ignoring the letter doesn’t stop any legal action the court wants to take against you. Rather, it will make the judge issue a judgement without considering your personal or financial situation since you aren’t there to supply information about your finances or challenges.

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What can you do when bailiffs visit?

When bailiffs visit your home, you want to make sure to keep them outside and sort everything through closed doors. But, depending on the debt you owe and the number of times they’ve come to your home, bailiffs may force entry to collect debts or take your goods instead.

Here’s what you can do to prevent bailiffs from returning to your door or taking further action against you.

Pay up your debt

This is the single most effective thing to do to keep bailiffs off your door. If you owe a debt and can afford to pay, pay your creditors, and they’ll stop chasing you. Your case with bailiffs and the court ends there, and you can live peacefully without worrying about unwelcome visitors. 

Offer to pay in instalments.

If you can’t clear the debts at once, communicate directly with your creditor or via the bailiffs and propose a payment plan, stating how much you’d pay each time and the duration it’d take to clear the debt. They will often accept the offer, and you can stop bailiffs from returning by doing so.

It’s essential to stick to the payment agreement and forward your instalments when due. If you fail to pay or stop paying while still having some remaining debts, your creditors can return your case to the court and send bailiffs after you again.

Take from your income

Debtors who’re in employment can pay in instalments via their weekly or monthly earnings. You will need to fill out a “means enquiry form,” which helps to tell the judge how much you earn weekly or monthly to determine how much they are legally allowed to take from your earnings.

The maximum amount that can be deducted is 40% of your earnings, leaving you with at least 60% of your income.

Take from your benefits.

If you don’t have any savings that can help clear your debts but are receiving certain benefits, you can have your debt deducted from your benefits in instalments. Once your creditor agrees with the arrangement, bailiffs will stop coming to your home for debt repayment.

Seek debt solutions

You may be in a difficult financial state and can’t afford to pay your debts. In this case, seeking an effective debt solution can help prevent bailiffs from disturbing or taking your valuables. Typical examples of debt solutions are:

· Individual voluntary arrangements (IVAs)

· Debt management plans

· Debt relief orders

· Administration orders

· Bankruptcy

What can bailiffs take from my house?

Bailiffs can take non-essential goods, such as:

· Vehicles (including cars, motorbikes, or bicycles)

· Furniture

· Jewellery

· Art

· Televisions

· Technology/games consoles

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What should bailiffs not take from my house?

Bailiffs have regulations regarding the items they can take from your home. If they take something they aren’t legally allowed to seize; you can complain and get your property back. Below are things bailiffs shouldn’t take from your home.

· things that belong to other people (e.g., your children, siblings, parents, etc.)

· pets or guide dogs

· things you need for your job or study, such as tools or computer equipment

· a vehicle displaying a valid Blue Badge (a Motability vehicle)

· permanently attached items

· things that can cause a lot of damage if removed, such as a kitchen unit.

· your basic domestic needs like beds and bedding, chairs and table, cooker, fridge, washing machine, phone, and medical equipment.

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