The usual story of debt but, perhaps, with a slightly unusual setting.

Four years ago I was forced to 'move back home' due to a chronic sickness where I couldn't work or properly take care of myself. To cut out all the medical, self pity stuff, this has resulted in my mother ending up rather deeply in debt with all the usual threats against her house, solicitors, bailifs etc.

Now she did get CAB advice and this has, for the most part, made things quiet but her outgoings have been higher than her income over this period anyway so even the £1 a month to the few creditors she has isn't particularly easy.

Thankfully I am now starting to work again and so can start to handle this debt (I hope) and I'm looking for any experience or advice others may have for me. In the past my mother has been 'offered' to pay off the debt at a much reduced rate (the cynic in me wonders if that is a genuine offer or just the companies trying to ascertain if the 'client' really has money or not?)

Should I be trying to get the amount reduced? Is it possible? Perhaps if I can't make lump sum payments (I don't get paid that much) but do agree to a reasonable direct debit, does anyone know if companies will make a reduction in return for this offer?

So much debt, so many questions :(

Thank you in advance,

Tig
Bristol, UK