Drydensfairfax Solicitors is a trading name used by Drydens Limited on the SRA register. That matters because a letter from Drydensfairfax is not just a generic debt-collector chase letter: it may mean the account has reached a solicitor-led collection or pre-court stage. Even so, they still cannot send bailiffs unless they first obtain a County Court Judgment.
If you owe £6,000+ across multiple debts, an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) can stop direct contact from Drydensfairfax for included qualifying debts once approved and write off remaining included debt after 5-6 years if you complete it.
Quick answers#
Can Drydensfairfax send bailiffs to my home? Not without a court order. They’re solicitors, but they still need to get a County Court Judgment (CCJ) first. Only after obtaining a CCJ can they apply for bailiff enforcement. They can’t send bailiffs just because you owe money.
Are Drydensfairfax legitimate? Yes. The SRA register lists Drydens Limited as trading as Drydensfairfax Solicitors, and Companies House shows Arrow Global Limited as the current person with significant control. Match the letter details to those official registers before you pay.
Can an IVA stop Drydensfairfax? Yes. All debts Drydensfairfax collects are unsecured, which means they can be included in an IVA. Once approved, they must stop all contact and legal action, even if they’ve already issued court proceedings.
Before you pay a Drydensfairfax letter#
If the letter is from solicitors, do not treat it like ordinary collection noise. First check which of these situations you are in:
- A standard collection letter asking you to call or pay.
- A Letter of Claim under the debt protocol, which should give you 30 days to respond.
- A County Court claim form, which has its own court deadline.
Before paying, check:
- whether the letter names the original creditor and whether the debt was sold to Arrow or another debt purchaser,
- whether the balance includes interest, costs or fees you do not recognise,
- whether the account is old enough for statute-barred debt arguments to matter,
- whether you need a copy agreement, statement or notice of assignment before you can safely decide what to do.
That review is page-specific value, not delay for the sake of it. Solicitor branding raises the risk of court action, but it does not remove your right to ask for proof.
Who are Drydensfairfax Solicitors?#
The SRA register shows Drydens Limited trading as Drydensfairfax Solicitors. Companies House records Drydens Limited under company number 06765260, and the current register entry shows Arrow Global Limited as the person with significant control.
For a worried reader, the practical takeaway is simple: use the official register details to check the firm name, address and company number on the letter before sending money or documents.
Why is Drydensfairfax contacting me?#
Drydensfairfax contacts you because a creditor or debt purchaser has moved the account into solicitor-led collection. In many cases the debt will already have been sold or legally assigned, but not every letter means Drydens owns the account itself.
This is why you might not recognise Drydensfairfax’s name:
You had a credit card with Barclays. You fell behind on payments. Barclays sold the debt to Arrow Global. Arrow Global instructed Drydensfairfax (their in-house solicitors) to collect it. A Drydensfairfax letter arrives from “solicitors,” and you think it’s more serious—which is exactly the point.
Before you respond, make them pin down three facts in writing:
- who the original creditor was,
- who owns the debt now, if it has been sold,
- whether the letter is only a collection demand or the start of the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims.
That distinction affects whether you should request proof, negotiate, defend, or move straight to wider debt advice.
Can Drydensfairfax send bailiffs to my home?#
No, not without a County Court Judgment.
Being solicitors doesn’t give Drydensfairfax the power to send bailiffs. They still need to follow the same process as any other debt collector:
- Send formal letters demanding payment
- Follow the Pre-Action Protocol (30-day warning)
- Issue a County Court claim
- Obtain a CCJ
- Only then can they apply for bailiff enforcement
What Drydensfairfax CAN do:
- Send letters and emails
- Call you (between 8am and 9pm)
- Issue court proceedings directly (they’re solicitors)
- Take you to court faster than non-solicitor collectors
What Drydensfairfax CANNOT do:
- Force entry to your home
- Send bailiffs without a CCJ
- Take your belongings
- Clamp your vehicle
- Threaten you with immediate bailiff action
The fact they’re solicitors makes court action easier for them, but they still need a court order before bailiffs can be involved.
Can Drydensfairfax take me to court?#
Yes—and this is their main advantage.
Because Drydensfairfax are solicitors, they can issue County Court claims directly without hiring external lawyers. This makes legal action faster and cheaper for them, which means they’re more likely to use it.
The legal escalation process:
1. Pre-Action Protocol (30-day warning)
Before issuing a court claim, Drydensfairfax must follow the Pre-Action Protocol for Debt Claims. They’ll send a formal “Letter of Claim” giving you 30 days to respond.
2. County Court claim
If you don’t respond or arrange payment, Drydensfairfax will issue a County Court claim themselves (unlike non-solicitor collectors who have to instruct lawyers). You’ll receive court papers (form N1) at your address.
3. County Court Judgment (CCJ)
If you don’t defend the claim, the court will enter a judgment against you. This is a County Court Judgment (CCJ), which:
- Stays on your credit file for 6 years
- Makes it nearly impossible to get credit, mortgages, or phone contracts
- Allows Drydensfairfax to enforce through bailiffs
4. Enforcement after a CCJ
Once Drydensfairfax has a CCJ, they can apply for:
- Attachment of Earnings Order: Your employer deducts money from your wages
- Charging Order: The debt is secured against your property (if you’re a homeowner)
- Warrant of Control: The court issues a warrant allowing actual bailiffs to seize goods
Don’t ignore Drydensfairfax letters. The fact they’re solicitors means court action is more likely and happens faster than with non-solicitor collectors.
Is the debt really yours?#
Before you pay Drydensfairfax anything, verify the debt is actually yours.
Request proof under the Consumer Credit Act 1974:
If the debt is a credit agreement (credit card, loan, mobile phone contract), you have the right to request a copy of the original agreement under Section 77 or 78.
Write to Drydensfairfax:
Drydensfairfax Solicitors
4th Floor, Fairfax House
Merrion Street
Leeds
LS2 8BXSay:
“I’m writing regarding account reference [your reference number]. Under Section 77/78 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974, I request a true copy of the executed credit agreement for this debt. I also request a full breakdown of how the current balance has been calculated. I don’t acknowledge this debt until I receive proof.”
Drydensfairfax has 12 working days to respond. If they can’t provide a valid agreement, they can’t enforce the debt through the courts.
When is a debt statute-barred?
If you haven’t acknowledged a debt or made a payment in 6 years (England/Wales) or 5 years (Scotland), it might be statute-barred.
Statute-barred debts can’t be enforced through the courts. Drydensfairfax can still ask you to pay, but they can’t take legal action.
Warning: If you make a payment (even £1) or acknowledge the debt in writing, the 6-year clock resets.
Will Drydensfairfax accept a settlement?#
They may discuss settlement offers, but do not assume a standard discount.
Whether a settlement is realistic depends on who owns the debt, how old it is, whether court action has started, and whether you have a lump sum from family or another source.
How to negotiate a settlement:
- Don’t offer first. Let Drydensfairfax tell you what they want.
- Explain the source of funds. For example, a limited family contribution.
- Ask who owns the debt. Settlement wording should name the creditor or purchaser actually clearing the balance.
- Get it in writing. Do not pay until the letter says the payment is in full and final settlement.
- Keep the paperwork. Save the offer, acceptance and proof of payment together.
How to stop Drydensfairfax with an IVA#
An Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) is a legally binding agreement between you and all your creditors (including Drydensfairfax and Arrow Global) to repay what you can afford over 5-6 years. At the end, any remaining debt is written off—typically 60-80%.
Why an IVA stops Drydensfairfax:
Once your IVA is approved by the court and accepted by 75% of your creditors (by debt value), all creditors—including Drydensfairfax—must:
- Stop contacting you
- Stop legal action (even if court proceedings have already been issued)
- Freeze interest and charges
- Accept the monthly payment your Insolvency Practitioner distributes
Drydensfairfax cannot refuse to comply with an approved IVA, even though they’re solicitors. It’s a legal order that supersedes their court claim.
What debts can be included?
All of the debts Drydensfairfax collects are unsecured, which means they’re includable in an IVA:
- Credit cards
- Personal loans
- Overdrafts
- Mobile phone contracts
- Catalogue debts
- Store cards
- Utility arrears
To qualify for an IVA, you typically need:
- £6,000+ in unsecured debt
- Two or more creditors
- A regular income (employed or self-employed)
- Spare income after essential bills (usually £80-100/month minimum)
How to deal with Drydensfairfax calls#
Drydensfairfax operates phone collections alongside their legal work. Calls typically happen during business hours (8am-9pm weekdays).
You have rights:
Request written communication only. You can tell Drydensfairfax (verbally or in writing) that you only want to be contacted by post. They must comply under FCA rules. This stops the calls.
Don’t admit the debt until you’ve verified it. If you don’t recognise the debt, say: “I need to see proof of this debt in writing before I can discuss it.”
Don’t make a payment just to make them go away. Paying even £1 can restart the statute-barred clock if the debt is over 6 years old.
If you’re vulnerable, tell them. If you have mental health problems, serious illness, disability, or are in crisis, declare this. Drydensfairfax must follow FCA “Consumer Duty” rules and adjust their approach.
What if they’re aggressive or threatening?
FCA-authorised firms like Drydensfairfax are prohibited from:
- Threatening imprisonment (you can’t go to prison for civil debt)
- Pressuring you to sell your home or borrow from family
- Refusing to stop calling after you’ve requested written contact only
- Ignoring evidence of vulnerability
If Drydensfairfax breaks these rules, complain to the SRA and FCA (see below).
How to complain about Drydensfairfax#
1. Complain to Drydensfairfax directly
Write to:
Drydensfairfax Solicitors
4th Floor, Fairfax House
Merrion Street
Leeds
LS2 8BXInclude your reference number, dates of the issue, what happened, and what you want.
Drydensfairfax has 8 weeks to respond.
2. Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
If Drydensfairfax hasn’t followed professional conduct rules (aggressive behaviour, misleading claims):
- Website: www.sra.org.uk/consumers/problems
- They regulate solicitors and can investigate complaints
3. Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS)
If Drydensfairfax doesn’t respond or you’re not satisfied:
- Website: www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk
- Phone: 0800 023 4567
4. Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
If Drydensfairfax has breached FCA rules:
- Website: www.fca.org.uk/consumers/report-firm
- Phone: 0800 111 6768
Drydensfairfax contact details#
Registered office: Drydensfairfax Solicitors 4th Floor, Fairfax House Merrion Street Leeds LS2 8BX
SRA number: 567939 Parent company: Arrow Global Group
Regulatory status:
- Solicitors Regulation Authority regulated
- FCA Authorised
- CSA (Credit Services Association) Member
If you’re struggling with debt and want to find out what options are available, use our free IVA calculator to see if you qualify and how much debt you could write off. It takes 2 minutes and won’t affect your credit score.
Frequently Asked Questions#
Can Drydensfairfax send bailiffs to my home?#
No, not without a County Court Judgment. Being solicitors doesn’t give them automatic bailiff powers. They still need to get a CCJ first. Only after obtaining a CCJ can they apply for bailiff enforcement.
Are Drydensfairfax legitimate?#
Yes. Drydensfairfax Solicitors (SRA number 567939) are a regulated law firm authorised by both the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Financial Conduct Authority. They’re part of Arrow Global Group.
Why am I getting letters from solicitors?#
Drydensfairfax are solicitors, but they’re acting as debt collectors. The use of “solicitors” letterhead is deliberate—it makes letters seem more serious and increases response rates. But they still need to follow the same rules as non-solicitor collectors.
Will Drydensfairfax take me to court?#
Yes, they can, and they’re more likely to than non-solicitor collectors. Because they’re solicitors, they can issue court claims directly without hiring external lawyers, making legal action faster and cheaper for them.
Can I stop Drydensfairfax with an IVA?#
Yes. An IVA stops all debt collection activity, including Drydensfairfax’s legal action. Once approved, they must cease contact and accept the monthly payments your Insolvency Practitioner distributes.
Will Drydensfairfax accept a settlement?#
Yes. Drydensfairfax typically accepts full and final settlements of 40-70% of the debt value. They prefer lump sum settlements because cash today is worth more than years of court proceedings and monthly payments. Always get agreements in writing before paying.
If you’re dealing with Drydensfairfax and have £6,000+ in debt across multiple creditors, an IVA could stop direct contact from them for included qualifying debts once approved and write off a significant portion of qualifying debt if the IVA completes.