The Repossession Process

Getting repossessed often seems like the end of the line for many people.  They are embarrassed that they let their finances spiral out of control and often emotionally vulnerable after a split with a partner, job loss or bereavement.  It’s very tempting to ignore the letters and hope the problem will go away. 

Unfortunately, unless you win the lottery, the problem will only worsen.  The first step to getting control of your life is facing your problems head on. Our advisors work with people in similar situations on a regular basis, so we know exactly how to guide you through the steps that will work best for you.

Because we genuinely want you to get your life back to normal, we offer free, impartial advice without obligation.  You can choose to work with us or just get some good advice.  It’s completely up to you.  Click on the situation that most closely reflects yours for information on what happens next and the options available to you.

• I’ve Had A Letter Reminding Me Of Missed Payments
• My Lender Has Sent Me A Letter Threatening To Take Me To Court
• I’ve Been Summoned to Court
• The Judge Has Allowed Me To Stay
• The Judge Has Ordered Me To Leave
• I’ve Had A Note From The Bailiffs
• I’ve Been Evicted

I’ve Had A Letter Reminding Me Of Missed Payments
Your bank or mortgage company will send you a letter if you miss one or two payments.  This is standard procedure and gives you a chance to explain your circumstances and sort out a more manageable payment plan.  Missing payments is distressing but ignoring the problem just makes it worse. Defaulting on a mortgage isn’t good for you or the bank, but there are plenty of ways to sort things out.

• Lifeline can help you stay in your house and get control of your finances
• Get in touch with your lender and negotiate a new payment plan
• Contact the Citizen’s Advice Bureau

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My Lender Has Sent Me A Letter Threatening To Take Me To Court
If you did not reply to your lender’s first letter regarding missed payments or they were unhappy with your repayment proposal, they will refer your case to their solicitor.   A letter will arrive giving you seven days to clear your arrears or make alternate arrangements.  If they are unsatisfied with your response, court proceedings can be started without further warning.

This is the second step in the repossession process.  There are five more before eviction, so there is time available to make arrangements and stay in your house.  We understand that this process can be very stressful but it is important not to panic.  Acting quickly now will give you more options in the future.

• Lifeline could help you stay in your house without going to court.  No fees mean more money in your pocket at the end of the day.
• Get in touch with your lender and negotiate a new payment plan.
• Contact the Citizen’s Advice Bureau

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I’ve Been Summoned To Court
When you get this letter in the post, you’ll probably feel as if your world is falling to pieces around you.  It is devastating to realise that you may lose the right to live in the house that has become home to you and your family. 

Again, being proactive is always the best option. Repossession is not inevitable if you are willing to take action. Most times, we can solve the problem without going to court, even if you have already been issued a summons.  You will still be able to stay in your home and life will continue as normal. 

If you do end up going to court it is important for you to seek impartial advice as soon as you can.  You can give Lifeline a ring or get in touch with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau for some objective advice as to what to expect and how you should prepare for the hearing.

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The Judge Has Allowed Me To Stay
There are several reasons why a judge would allow you to stay in your home.  The most common is that you can show you have made arrangements to pay your debt by selling the property, inheriting/borrowing money or starting a new job.  You may be given more time, meaning that if you are not able to settle your debt in a fixed amount of time, you will face another repossession hearing. 

Another possible ruling is a suspended possession order.  Generally speaking this means that as long as you keep to the repayment schedule and don’t miss any more mortgage payments, you will be allowed to stay in your property.  The downside is that if you miss even one payment, your lender can send the bailiff round without warning.

It can be difficult to decide what to do in this situation. Give Lifeline a ring to find out how we can work together to find the best solution for you.  We can restructure your debt, negotiate with your lender, arrange for your property to be purchased, lease your home back to you or arrange for you to buy it back when your financial situation improves.  Advice is given freely and impartially even if you decide to sort out your debt on your own.

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The Judge Has Ordered Me To Leave
Being ordered to leave your property is soul-destroying news and it is common to feel that all hope is gone. You can stay in control if you seek out help. If you have not contacted an advisor yet, it is best to do so immediately.  You can receive free, impartial advice from the Citizen’s Advice Bureau or Lifeline.  If, after chatting with one of our personal advisors, you decide to go ahead we can have the whole thing sorted in a matter of days.  You’ll be able to stay in your house if you choose and no one will be any the wiser.

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I’ve Had A Note From The Bailiffs
This is the next-to-last stage of the eviction process.  It is still not too late for you to make arrangements to stay in your home.  You can get a court injunction to stop the eviction if you can prove that you have sold the property or started a new job and will be able to clear the debts in good time.  We can arrange for your property to be purchased quickly – even within days, so getting things sorted before the bailiffs turn up is well within the realm of possibility. Give us a ring and we’ll discuss how we can work together to keep you in your home.

If you are not able to get an injunction, the bailiff will come round to your property and leave a form indicating the time at which he will return to evict you.  Usually you are given a few days notice although there is no law stipulating this. 

The bailiffs are permitted to physically remove occupants from the property and change the locks to prevent you from returning.  They can do this even if you are not present.  If your belongings are not removed on the day of eviction, you are generally required to move them within two weeks or your lender will dispose of them as they

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I Have Been Evicted
Eviction is the worst possible outcome for you, your family and the bank.  Believe it or not, even though the situation seems hopeless, we can still help.  It is never to late to use Lifeline.  We’ve even saved a family’s home after they had been officially evicted. Give us a ring and we’ll give you an impartial evaluation of your situation.  Logically speaking, eviction is the end of the line.  In reality, that’s not always the case.  Of course it is far more difficult to work things out at this stage, but it is not impossible.

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