Lucas Credit Services rebranded to Overdales and Overdales Solicitors. They’re a law firm (Overdales Legal Limited, Company 07407310) that also operates as debt collectors. Unlike standard collection agencies, Overdales are solicitors, which means they can issue court proceedings directly without instructing external lawyers. Here’s what matters: while they can take legal action more easily than non-solicitor collectors, they still cannot send bailiffs unless they first obtain a County Court Judgment.
If several debts are unaffordable, an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) may stop direct collection for included qualifying debts once approved. Only remaining included qualifying debt is written off if the IVA completes, so compare every suitable alternative before choosing it.
Quick answers #
Can Lucas Credit Services/Overdales send bailiffs? Not without a court order. They’re solicitors, but they still need to get a County Court Judgment (CCJ) first.
Are Lucas Credit Services/Overdales legitimate? Yes. Overdales Legal Limited (Company 07407310) is a regulated law firm authorised by both the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA 806769) and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA 691793).
Can an IVA stop Overdales? An approved IVA can stop direct collection and legal action for included qualifying unsecured debts.
Who are Lucas Credit Services/Overdales? #
Lucas Credit Services rebranded to Overdales and Overdales Solicitors. They’re trading styles of Overdales Legal Limited (Company 07407310), a law firm specialising in debt recovery.
Company details:
- Registered office: Ellington House, 9 Savannah Way, Leeds Valley Park, Leeds, LS10 1AB
- Company number: 07407310
- SRA number: 806769
- FCA reference: 691793
Being solicitors gives Overdales an advantage over standard debt collectors: they can issue County Court claims directly without instructing external lawyers, making legal action faster and cheaper for them.
Why is Overdales contacting me? #
Overdales contacts you because they’re collecting a debt on behalf of a creditor who has instructed them.
This is why you might not recognise Overdales’ name:
You had a credit card with Capital One. You fell behind on payments. Capital One instructed Overdales (their solicitors) to collect it. An Overdales letter arrives from “solicitors,” and you think it’s more serious—which is exactly the point.
Who instructs Overdales:
- Banks and credit card companies
- Utility companies
- Telecoms providers (mobile phones, broadband)
- Debt purchasers
The use of “solicitors” letterhead is deliberate. Many people who ignore standard debt collector letters will respond when they see a law firm’s name, often agreeing to payments before court action is even filed.
Can Overdales send bailiffs? #
No, not without a County Court Judgment.
Being solicitors doesn’t give Overdales 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 Overdales CAN do:
- Send letters and emails
- Call you at reasonable times, taking account of reasonable contact requests
- Issue court proceedings directly (they’re solicitors)
- Take you to court faster than non-solicitor collectors
What Overdales 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 Overdales take me to court? #
Yes—and this is their main advantage.
Because Overdales 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, Overdales 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, Overdales 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 Overdales to enforce through bailiffs
4. Enforcement after a CCJ
Once Overdales 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 Overdales 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 Overdales anything, verify the debt is actually yours.
Request proof under the Consumer Credit Act 1974:
If the debt is a qualifying regulated credit agreement—for example, some credit-card, loan or handset-finance agreements—you may be able to request a copy under sections 77–79 of the Consumer Credit Act. Ordinary mobile service contracts and many other debts are not covered; check the applicable section, fee and effect.
Write to Overdales:
Overdales Legal Limited
Ellington House
9 Savannah Way
Leeds Valley Park
Leeds
LS10 1ABSay:
“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.”
For a qualifying Consumer Credit Act request, the creditor normally has 12 working days after receiving the required request and fee to comply. While a relevant section 77-79 default continues, court enforcement can be restricted, but the debt is not erased and a compliant copy may later be supplied. The rule does not apply to every debt.
When is a debt statute-barred?
For many simple-contract debts the headline periods are six years in England and Wales and five years in Scotland, but the start date, debt type, payments, written acknowledgement, an existing judgment and the jurisdiction can change the result. Read the statute-barred debt guide and get advice before paying or relying on limitation.
If limitation has expired and no judgment exists, it may provide a defence to a court claim. A claim can still require a timely defence, so do not ignore court papers or assume the collector decides the legal position.
Warning: A payment or qualifying written acknowledgement before the limitation period expires can restart time for some England-and-Wales debts. The effect after expiry and the Scottish prescription rules differ, so take advice before responding.
Will Overdales accept a settlement? #
A settlement may be considered, but the creditor or legal owner decides and there is no reliable standard percentage. The outcome can depend on ownership of the account, its legal status, affordability evidence and the lump sum available.
Before paying, get written confirmation that the agreed amount is accepted as full and final settlement, that no remaining balance will be pursued or sold, and how the account will be reported to credit reference agencies. Do not use money needed for priority bills.
How to stop Overdales with an IVA #
An approved IVA can bind creditors for debts included in the arrangement, so direct collection by this firm should normally stop for an included qualifying debt. The approved terms, debt type and timing control the result; an IVA does not cover every debt or automatically undo every court or enforcement step.
There is no single statutory debt balance or monthly-payment figure that makes an IVA suitable. A licensed Insolvency Practitioner should compare sustainable income, essential spending, assets, creditor returns and alternatives such as a Debt Management Plan, Debt Relief Order or bankruptcy.
Do not ignore an existing Letter of Claim, court form or enforcement deadline while an IVA is only being considered. If several debts are unaffordable, use the IVA suitability check as a first step and get advice on the live deadline.
How to deal with Overdales calls #
You have rights:
Ask for a reasonable communication channel. Request post or email and explain any vulnerability or accessibility need. The firm must have regard to a reasonable request, but necessary and proportionate contact may continue. Keep a written record.
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.”
Check the legal position before making a token payment. A qualifying payment or written acknowledgement before time expires can restart limitation for some England-and-Wales debts. Once a claim is already barred, section 29(7) prevents a later acknowledgement or payment from reviving it; Scottish prescription differs. Get advice first.
If you’re vulnerable, tell them. If you have mental health problems, serious illness, disability, or are in crisis, declare this. Overdales must follow FCA “Consumer Duty” rules and adjust their approach.
How to complain #
1. Complain to Overdales directly
Write to:
Overdales Legal Limited
Ellington House
9 Savannah Way
Leeds Valley Park
Leeds
LS10 1ABInclude your reference number, dates of the issue, what happened, and what you want.
Overdales has 8 weeks to respond.
2. Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
If Overdales 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
If Overdales doesn’t respond or you’re not satisfied:
- Website: https://www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk/
- Phone: 0800 023 4567
4. Financial Conduct Authority
If Overdales has breached FCA rules:
- Website: www.fca.org.uk/contact
- Phone: 0800 111 6768
If you’re struggling with debt, use our debt-options calculator for an initial comparison; it cannot confirm eligibility or approval.
Frequently Asked Questions #
Can Lucas Credit Services/Overdales send bailiffs? #
No, not without a County Court Judgment. Being solicitors doesn’t give them automatic bailiff powers. They still need to get a CCJ first.
Are they legitimate? #
Yes. Overdales Legal Limited (Company 07407310) is a regulated law firm authorised by both the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA 806769) and Financial Conduct Authority (FCA 691793).
Why am I getting letters from solicitors? #
Overdales 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.
Will they 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.
Can I stop them with an IVA? #
Yes. If the debt is included in an approved IVA, direct collection activity should stop once the arrangement is approved.
Will they accept a settlement? #
Use the settlement checks earlier in this guide: there is no standard discount, and any agreement should be confirmed in writing before payment.
How long can they chase me? #
For many simple-contract debts those are the headline periods, but the start date, debt type, payment or acknowledgement, judgment and jurisdiction can change the result. Get advice before relying on limitation.