Hi Red,

Just to add a couple of points to add to the excellant posts above. 1) Is your ex paying enough child support? Try checking the CSA website for how much he should be paying. 2) Are you claiming all the benefits you are entitled to - try www.entitledto.co.uk. The CAB should be able to help with both of these points

I would recommend talking to the free debt charities like Citizens Advice Bureau, National Debtline and CCCS (and payplan) before using a company that charges for it's services. They will be able to offer you independent advice which will not have anything in their interest (they won't be charging your 15% on top of your debt).

I would recommend the original poster (Red76) gets a copy of their Credit record (for £2) to see what information it holds, and if any late payments are being recorded. It is now time to talk to someone and any of the above named organisations will be able to help you. You have taken the first step of coming here to look for advice.

Regarding your specific questions:

red76:

I am currently in a Debt arrangement scheme. It was set up when my husband and I split up to manage our joint debt. I am currently paying half rent on a flat and half the mortgage on the house. I am struggling financially and am out of cash by the 12th of the month when all the bills are paid. I am hitting arrers on some things now as I just cant keep up.

I have cut the food bill and am spending about 50 per week for myself and my two boys

I dont have any money to pay for clothes travel etc

I am mentally cracking under the pressure and am not sure what to do. I am working a good job and working as many extra shifts as possible and looking for something else work wise. I really dont know waht else to do.

I wonder if the Debt scheme appropriate for me or can it be revised and fast or can I claim bankruptcy without my ex losing his share of the house and be cleared of all debt and just start from scratch? Would I lose my car??its 10years old but I need it for work.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Red

You don't say who you are with, but the charities may still be able to help you. Who did you arrange your debt scheme with?

When you set up the original debt scheme did you do a detailed budget, and were the half rent half mortgage taken into consideration. Is you ex in a position to help more with contributions?

You should be able to go back to the original company that helped you and look at rearranging, but if you paid / are paying for this try the CAB or CCCS (etc) to see if they can help you for free.

As you have the asset of the house, and it is probably in joint names, I'm not sure that you can go for bankruptcy without it needed the sale of the house.

Bankruptcy is the last course of action and I know that you are finding it tough, but talking to one of the charities will help give you a tailored view of your options.

Keep us posted on how you get on, and if you have any questions on this or individual issues (bills) keep in contact. A problem shared is a problem halved.

Have a look at this and other forums ( e.g. moneysaving expert) for other ways to save money (vouchers) maybe claim back money, or to reduce your bills - Bank charges, credit card charges, PPI, Mortgage Fees, Council tax.

You never know you may be able to get some of that capital knocked off your debt.

Good luck with it and stay in touch.

Sparky.

Hi I'm not an expert but im in a Debt managment plan and i can alter mine if circumstances change or i find that im still struggling.

Im with CCCS which is a charity so doesnt charge for its services, not sure if its different if you're with a private company. Why dont you contact the company and explain your situation and how you are trying to improve the situation (ie extra work etc), stress to them that you can not afford to live at the moment and that you have two children whos living standards are being affected. Before you contact them write out all your expenses so you can back up your point.

If you are making a payment to the debt company separate to your husband im not sure how you changing the agreement would affect him- check this out with the company.

If you are with a private company maybe you should look into changing to the CCCS as all your payment goes straight to the creditors.

I know little about bankruptcy but i would avoid it if i were you, clearly the debt management plan is not working for you just change it- fast! Dont forget this is your agreement it needs to work for you and your children

goodluck and please let us know how you go.

I am currently in a Debt arrangement scheme. It was set up when my husband and I split up to manage our joint debt. I am currently paying half rent on a flat and half the mortgage on the house. I am struggling financially and am out of cash by the 12th of the month when all the bills are paid. I am hitting arrers on some things now as I just cant keep up.

I have cut the food bill and am spending about 50 per week for myself and my two boys

I dont have any money to pay for clothes travel etc

I am mentally cracking under the pressure and am not sure what to do. I am working a good job and working as many extra shifts as possible and looking for something else work wise. I really dont know waht else to do.

I wonder if the Debt scheme appropriate for me or can it be revised and fast or can I claim bankruptcy without my ex losing his share of the house and be cleared of all debt and just start from scratch? Would I lose my car??its 10years old but I need it for work.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Red