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Prison - what to do in preparation

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Xxx

Member since
March 2022

439 posts

Posted Mon February 5, 2024 1:58amReport post

Hi guys



Court dates for breaches are in . And I'm very very sure it will be prison . It's only a few weeks away . And not prepared as he now has a flat and a flat pull of belongings . (Some debt of course ) . How do we prepare for prison . What happens with debts or money . I take it if he's gone I'll hand the notice in his flat and empty it ? What about phone contracts internet . Anything else I can be over looking ?



I can't believe this is was life has come to this has taken up 2 years of my life and now just seen like more and more never ending . Any advise will be great thanks you xxx

SAL

Member since
December 2021

895 posts

Posted Mon February 5, 2024 7:05amReport post

I'd suggest rind Unlock re debts to see what their advise is. For other bills etc, I'd suggest sitting he goes through his bank statement /s cancel anything he won't be penalised for and make sure you havr login details for everything else. Make sure there is enough money in the account to cover any bills that may still need to come out. One of the things we realised coming out the otherside and taking back control of his affairs was how many things need 2 factor authentication now, so bare that in mind too and make sure its set up to a devise you'll be able to access. Write all passwords etc down, especially for emails that might be used to reset passwords or for a 2nd layer of authentication.

InTatters

Member since
June 2022

175 posts

Posted Mon February 5, 2024 7:28amReport post

Hi, and so sorry to hear you are facing this additional hurdle - this whole experience really is the gift that just keeps on giving, eh?!

Agree with all SAL's great suggestions. A few more from me:

- Set up a post redirection.

- He should leave phone/wallet/cards/keys etc with you (or someone) before going to court.

- If he has a car that you will be selling on his behalf, make sure he leaves a letter of authority for you to do so.

- Consider handing in notice on his flat and to his job. We did this, and it meant I could avoid some very awkward conversations/situations (and meant he got the deposit back on his rental flat).

- May be useful for him to memorise one or two key phone numbers.

- Pack a bag for him to take to court - don't need much, but some basics (toiletries, underwear, trainers etc) will help get him started.

- If he does go to prison, you might want to consider 'email a prisoner' and 'prison voicemail' - both cost-effective and efficient ways of keeping in touch.

- If you don't already have them, it will be useful for you to have his solicitor's details.

- He may want to consider closing all his social media, LinkedIn etc.

Wishing you strength and serenity as you face the next phase in this absolutely brutal life experience.

Edited Mon February 5, 2024 9:00am

Sunflower23

Member since
May 2023

10 posts

Posted Mon February 5, 2024 1:39pmReport post

My advice would be to make sure that someone (doesn't necessarily have to be you) is set up as a 3rd party contact for any bank accounts, credit cards, services etc...setting this up from prison is either very difficult or completely impossible. Sometimes having access to apps etc isn't enough and you will need to contact the bank directly...they will only discuss anything when someone is listed as a third party contact. Quite straightforward to do...forms should be online and you should be able to go into a branch to have this authorised.

He should be able to take a list of contact details written on a slip of paper in with him...he can hand this over at reception and get the ball rolling with regards to clearing contacts.

He will need to list a next of kin also...make sure whoever this is happy to receive contact from the prison if needed.

If he takes some cash in, this can be added to his spends and he won't then need to wait for someone to transfer money before he can purchase canteen or phone credit.

Hope this helps...

InTatters

Member since
June 2022

175 posts

Posted Mon February 5, 2024 2:22pmReport post

More great suggestions from Sunflower! However, just a cautionary tale from our own experience. My person took some cash in with him. It was stolen by the prison guards who admitted him. He put in a complaint about this, and the theft was confirmed based on camera footage. Yet to be seen whether the sum will be reimbursed. The justice and prison systems take some navigation...

Life feels over

Member since
September 2022

412 posts

Posted Mon February 5, 2024 10:29pmReport post

My husband contacted his mobile company prior and explained the situation. They gave contact information for me to send a letter if he was sentenced to custodial.

The car was moved off-road in preparation for SORN.

My husband wrote a resignation letter to his employer with immediate effect which he left with me if he didn't come home.

It's definitely sensible to do the preparation in advance.

Bank and credit card companies were incredibly helpful and empathetic in my experience. You can send any letters that arrive relating to official matters to him. There is support in prison for debts to be dealt with and in some cases written off. He can seek advise from his side should he need to. Not everything needs to be your responsibility x

Life feels over

Member since
September 2022

412 posts

Posted Mon February 5, 2024 10:29pmReport post

Post deleted by user


Edited Mon February 5, 2024 10:29pm

AnxiousGirl

Member since
December 2023

222 posts

Posted Mon February 5, 2024 10:57pmReport post

Post deleted


Edited Thu February 22, 2024 8:46am

EllBee

Member since
April 2022

142 posts

Posted Tue February 6, 2024 2:05pmReport post

Would it be a good idea to set up a legal Power of Attorney between you? Always good to have one anyway in case you become incapacitated like eg had a stroke or something. Makes the legals easier in life even outside of this sh!tshow