neighbours debt

[kitten_uk2]

im not sure if this is the right place to post my question but im in abit of a pickle, you see my mum has a cataloge, that my neighbour has ordered at least 300 pounds worth of stuff from, she is behind with her payments and pops round with a tenner every now and then, my mum doesnt work and doesnt get much money so can barely cover the monthly exspence, at christmas my mums neighbour bought my son lots of presents, and my mum couldnt buy as much as she hoped because of this debt, would it be wrong of me to go round to this womans house and explain about these payments she owes, as my mum isnt the sort of person to run after people, it just bothers me that this neighbour spent lots on my son and his own grandma couldnt spend much because of her.

[Sammy Snake]

I definately would go round and explain to her. if she still doesn't pay up on time, report her to the catalogue company as a non-payer.

[WendyS]

This neighbour is obviously having financial difficulties if she's not settling her debts regularly. It might be worth having a word with her and telling her that you mum is not well off, relies on catalogue income and that it puts her in a difficult position when customers don't settle their bills. Ask her not to spend any more money on your son as although you appreciate the gesture and her generosity, it's far more important to you that your mother doesn't get into debt through customers not paying their bills.

[bowsrees]

Its a difficult position to be in, Not wanting to upset your mother or the neighbour or in interfere if its not really your business.

If it was me though I'd be on it in a flash,

Tell your mother not to let any other neighbours/friends buy things in her name. Your mothers account that it used and so its her debt. If payments are missed the collectors would knock down her door regardless who's debt it really was.

Next talk to the neighbour. It sounds like he's coming over with a tenner now and again to keep her happy but has no plan to repay the debt unless forced to. Try to discuss the situationand try to work out a firm repayment plan. If this does not work ask for the items back and sell them on Ebay!

Finally (I'm not legally qualified in anyway and only skimmed the links below) if he is not responsive I'd try some legal tactics by means of a small claims court. http://www.bbc.co.uk/crime/law/smallclaimscourt.shtml
This link gives information on making small claims.

http://www.lawpack.co.uk/small_claims_what_you_have_to_pay.asp

From reading the second link it seems for a �300 claim it would cost you �30. I'd bet though, that if you even started the proceedings you'd get some reaction from the neighbour.

Don't do nothing debt is a very serious issue especially if it affects your mothers well-being and happiness.

Hope it helps