Introduction
Have you recently completed a Debt Relief Order (DRO) and are unsure about what comes next? This guide will help you understand your rights and the steps you need to take after your DRO period ends. At Contend, we know navigating legal matters can be overwhelming, but our highly trained AI legal experts are here to provide the guidance you need to resolve any lingering issues. Discover how to ensure a smooth transition and reclaim your financial freedom with the easiest legal help in the UK.
If you’ve been through a Debt Relief Order (DRO), you might be wondering what happens when it’s over. Good news! Once your DRO period ends, you’re free from the debts listed in it, unless those debts were incurred through fraud. Let’s break down what you need to know about the end of your DRO.
What is a Debt Relief Order (DRO)?
A Debt Relief Order is a way to help people who are struggling with their debts. It offers a fresh start by freezing most of your debts for a period of time, known as the DRO period. This period lasts for 12 months, starting from the date the Official Receiver approves your DRO. During this time, you cannot make payments towards most of the debts included in the DRO, and there are specific restrictions you must follow.
When Does the DRO Period End?
At the end of the 12 months, you are no longer responsible for the debts that were included in your DRO. However, you won’t receive a formal notification that your DRO has ended. If you’re unsure about the end date, you can check your entry in the Insolvency Service’s register. This register will provide you with the exact end date of your DRO.
You can access the register at Insolvency Service Register.
How to Get Proof That Your DRO Has Ended
If you need proof that your DRO has ended—perhaps for a creditor or a financial institution—you can print a copy of your entry from the Insolvency Service’s register. It’s important to do this within three months after your DRO ends because your entry will be removed after that time.
What If Creditors Still Contact You?
Sometimes, creditors may not realize that your DRO has ended and might attempt to collect on debts that were included in it. If this happens, you do not have to pay those debts. You can show them a copy of your entry from the Insolvency Service Register as proof.
However, be aware that there are exceptions. If you have rent arrears or a controlled goods agreement with a bailiff, you may still be required to make payments to keep your home or belongings.
If a creditor refuses to acknowledge that your DRO has ended, you can ask them to contact the Insolvency Service’s DRO Team for verification.
Next Steps
If creditors continue to reach out to you after your DRO has ended, here are some steps you can take:
- Keep records: Document any communication with creditors.
- Contact your DRO adviser: They can provide you with guidance on how to handle the situation.
- Seek advice: If you feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to try Contend’s legal expert chat. Contend’s highly trained AI legal experts will work with you to provide guidance and help you understand and resolve your legal problems.
Additional Resources
For more information, you can check your entry on the Insolvency Service’s register at Insolvency Service Register.
Understanding the end of a Debt Relief Order can be confusing, but knowing your rights and the steps you can take will help you navigate this important transition. Remember, you’re not alone in this process, and there are resources available to help you move forward.
For more info, check out some of our related articles:
- Navigating Debt Relief Orders: Expert Advice for UK Recovery
- Navigating DRROs in the UK: Expert Debt Relief Advice
- Post-Debt Relief Order Steps to Maintain Financial Freedom in the UK
- Post-Debt Relief Order: Expert Advice for a Smooth Transition in the UK
- Post-Debt Relief Order Guide: Navigating Rights & Creditors in the UK
