Advice needed....please help

[smudge742]

After being left in debt by my ex-husband, I have been struggling to pay off past debts, although most are sorted it has left my credit score as virtually zero! My new partner and I had been doing ok for money, but recently he has been off work sick and has not been paid, they said they would give him full pay as he had a sick note, but it was missing from his wages. He is trying to sort it with them....now comes to the current problem, we were struggling to pay the bills after my ex stopped my maintenance, I have no sorted that, but we have been charged extra for late payment even after we had kept the companies in the know. Now we have had a letter today stating that the council will send a bailiff round for payment, and if we can't pay they will remove our goods. I have every intention of paying but can't find the money they want in 5days. I have looked everywhere for a loan, but due to my record I can't get one. My partner has a mortgage on our house, and can't re-mortgage in the current climate....What can we do??? We have young children and I can't subject them to people coming in and taking our stuff...we don't go out, smoke or drink and spend all our money on bills, and keeping our kids fed and clothed, we don't squander money and we budget everywhere, but we are at a total loss... I don't know what to do, or where to turn...we have no family who can afford to help. I can't cope and am sitting here crying, please can someone give me an option?

[CheekyChops]

With you mentioning the Council, is it for council tax that they are threatening you with bailiffs?
If so, ring the Council straight away and try and come to some arrangement to repay the arrears.

If the worst should happen and the bailiffs ever do turn up, DON'T LET THEM IN. Speak to them through the letter box or from an open (upstairs) window. Once you have let them into your house, they are allowed to break in on subsequent visits. They cannot remove goods if you don't let them in.

This is only a short term measure though, you really need help sorting your finances out. I would suggest that you visit this site and post on their Debt Free Wannabee forum, there are lots of experienced people on there whith knowledge of debt and bailiffs and you will get loads of help and advice.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/

And I know it os hard, but rty not to upset yourself. Lots of people have been in the same position as you are in right now and they usually manage to get through it ok.

[themas]

Also, don't leave any doors unlocked, or windows open - they can come in if they are able to do so without breaking in.

If you or partner have a car they can clamp that & take it, so keep it in a locked garage if you can, or else keep it somewhere well away from the house.

It would be a good idea to go & see your local CAB or other free money advice agency for debt advice & help with this; do not get involved with any outfit that charges fees.

[sunbeam42]

My husband works for a charity called Christians Against Poverty (CAP) - they will be able to help you. They work with your creditors, try to reduce payments and give you support. They work with anyone regardless of belief, situation etc, and are totally free of charge. Please please please give them a call - their number is 0800 328 0006 or look at their websire - www.capuk.org. I hope that this helps - let us know how you get on!