There may be times, especially in the case of local creditors, where a personal visit to their offices will obtain results not possible if all exchanges are in writing or over the phone. Such visits should be arranged beforehand, and the appointment should be always made with an individual with sufficient authority to make final decisions which will affect your situation. By presenting yourself in person, you will be ‘putting a face to the name’ and hopefully making it more difficult psychologically for the person you meet to agree to serious proceedings being taken against you.

The fact that you have taken the trouble to visit the creditor in order to try to come to some arrangement will also count in your favour, both with the creditor, and later with the court if the matter ends up going for arbitration. You will also be producing an opportunity to present your arguments in far greater detail than would otherwise be possible, and of showing whatever documentary support for your arguments that you may have, and will be able to respond to objections as they arise and hopefully to deal with these in turn.

Of course, you will need to concentrate on projecting the right impression, and should spend some time before the visit in preparing the arguments you intend to use. As ever, the most promising line to take is that although you cannot settle the debt right away, and no amount of pressure is going to make you do so, you firmly intend to repay the debt if you are given sufficient time.

Your line of argument is likely to be far more acceptable if you are in a position to offer some slight increase in any payments you may be making, or if you can begin making some small payment if you have not previously made any Continue reading →