any experts out there?

[phae]

I really need help on a very complicated bankruptcy matter. I have tried CAB who were mystified and even lawyers dont understand but need �2000 up front before they will look into it....

I owned a property for several years but didnt live there. it remained empty whilst I had it on the mrket, and then moved into it unexpectantly. I am on income support with 2 young chilldren. I received a statement from the council with a ZERO BALANCE in 2003. Two months later I was issued with bankruptcy proceedings for a years council tax for 2002/2003 and 3 parking fines I knew nothing about.Total �1900.

I fully disputed the bill. Then I agreed to pay it if they deducted the 50% vacant property discount. After several 'adjournments' the council refused to even answer my correspondance, with the judge stating he couldn't MAKE them. On the last attenendance at court, my child was sick so I got a taxi to take a note to the court asking for adjournment. I was made bankrupt in my absence. I then appealed. At the appeal it was made clear that as the council had acquired a 'liability order' the judge could not go behind that order, thus I was to remain bankrupt.

By this time my property was already under offer. I called the administrators and told them I wanted to go ahead with the sale and pay my debt from the proceeds. My property sold for �175K. my mortgage was 85K. I was given �44K (I had no other debts whatsoever). Even though a year has passed, and despite several requests, I still do not know what my money was spent on? They are still holding 'some monies' but wont tell me how much?. I dont have any money to pay a solicitor upfront... but this all seems so unfair.

(continued on seperate post)

[Oneeyedvic]

Hi Phae,

Whilst I am not a bankruptcy expert, it is clear that this is not an easy case. There are obviously a lot of issues to sort out and this is not the full story (as an example if you had �44,000 last year and no debts, why can't you afford a solicitor?).

I would suggest that this is not an easy answer that can be sorted on answerbank.

The best thing I could suggest would be to contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau - they will be in the phone book. They have in house legal experts who could potentially help you.

[DebtDr]

Hi Phae,

Ask the administrators, in writing, to detail their costs on this case.

Hold out for an answer in writing back to you. I suspect it won't be a quick reply but we live in hope. Once you have the costs then you will be able to determine if they have charged you equitably.

Hope this helps,

Debt Dr