Question for an expert DMP

[SPENCER23]

Hi all, just a quickie, my iva was accepted in may, all going well so far, my oh entered into a DMP, but is still getting interest and charges added to the accounts, also there are threats of doorstep 'visits' from whoever [hope i'm in when they call!!].
Heres my question, What are our rights so far as having to even speak to these 'collectors',And do they have any rights to enter our house? any advice would be appreciated.

[MelanieGiles]

You have no legal rights under a DMP whereas under an IVA the creditors are not allowed to pursue you directly once the agreement is in place. So you are in a different situation to your partner. Why did they do a DMP rather than an IVA as a matter of interest?

[SPENCER23]

Thanks Melanie, Although we wanted to do a joint iva, my IP said that my oh was'nt insolvent, my debt was £58000 and my oh was £23000,we have a property that we have up for sale, and we will split any profit to pay off her debt, and the rest will go into my iva.Can you give me any advice what to say to any 'visitors' who call demanding payments? Thanks

[kallis3]

If they are debt collectors Spencer, you do not have to pay them anything. You don't even have to speak to them if you don't want to. They cannot enter your house.

They don't usually turn up, but it is possible, as two of our posters have found out recently.

[loubylou10]

This post has just terrified me - I thought all that would stop once you agreed a DMP - great news for us then. My biggest fear was doorstep collctors!!!! I hope this does not happen to you x

[kallis3]

Meant to say, they cannot enter your house unless you invite them in (like your gonna do that!).

[kallis3]

A DMP is just an informal agreement with your creditors, it is not legally binding.

[Anna Karenina]

I have had the misfortune of having to deal with debt collectors on my husband's behalf. There are some fantastic sites on the web with lots of advice about how to deal with them - citizen's advice included. They are not allowed to enter your property unless you invite them in, however if they can gain entry through an open window or door they can - so make sure you lock up.

There is lots more to know about debt collectors and the internet is a great resource.

Good luck

Anna

[kallis3]

Anna, it's only bailiffs who can enter through an open door or window, not debt collectors.

[kallis3]

Check this site out - it will tell you who can do what:

http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/
MoneyTaxAndBenefits/ManagingDebt/
DebtsAndArrears/DG_10034289

[SPENCER23]

KALLIS, THANKS FOR THAT LINK, WHAT A BRILLIANT SITE, I THINK THATS ANSWERED MY ORIGINAL QUESTION, THANKS AGAIN

[kallis3]

Glad it's helped. Should put peoples minds at ease anyway.