Old Debt Default but CCJ's First letter received yesterday

A question about : Old Debt Default but CCJ's First letter received yesterday

Hello Everyone,
It took me more than 3 years to have the courage to write it and I wonder if any of you can advise me what to do.

I had two credit cards back in 2009, I went through incredibly tough time and even had no place to live so eventually couldn't make payments. Eventually I went behind payments October 2009 on first credit card of Ј1545.00 and second one of Ј1445.00.

I wrote to them asking to take Ј800 each as final settlement even this much a friend of mine was helping me with but never heard from them. (that was in October 2009).

I had no place to live after March 2010 and since no permanent place to live, never heard from them (both credit companies) again after Feb 2010.

I am a little better now, although not financially stable as owe about Ј15000 from friends and family who helped me during my time and I am obviously am thankful and paying them off little by little.

I recently checked my credit report and found that the first credit card company defaulted on my credit file on August 2011 with Ј1856 and Second credit card company defaulted me for Ј1703 August 2011 too.

I had no letters or discussion from them whatsoever as even if they were delivered, they were returned unopened as i am told.

Now yesterday 16/09/2014 I received a claim from Northampton County Court for Ј2403.00 and I am asked to response to that.

I do not have any money to pay off. I already am in debt from friends and family for about Ј15000 which I am trying to pay off as maximum I can, being able to live on bare minimum. I have two dependents - a child under 10 years and mother who are solely dependent on me.

I do not want a CCJ on my credit file as I have just started to get a little better and possibly working towards jobs. A CCJ will ruin my options to get a job in a good industry. I am currently working on a temp contract with Ј23k salary.

I thought after 6 years these will come off from my credit file and until then i will be better with everything and can start a new life. but this letter from NCC has ruined my sleep now.

Any suggestions, any advice you guys can please give me.. I do not know what to do.

Best answers:

• Who is the claimant? the original credit card company or a debt collector?
  If you have just received the claim form then there is still time to make a repayment offer to the creditor and ask them not to proceed with the court action.
  Obviously they don't have to agree to, but may if they are happy with your repayment proposal.
  When was this card taken out? was it in 2009 or earlier?
• claimant is debt collector and the card was taken out back in 2008 but last payment was made August 2009 i think..