Personal bankruptcy

Personal bankruptcy could help you to write off unsecured debts that you simply can't afford to repay, as long as you agree to repay as much as you realistically can.

To find out if you could qualify for bankruptcy, try the solution finder below. Or read on to find out more about how bankruptcy works.

Find out if you qualify for bankruptcy

Discover the options available to you by filling in a few details about yourself and your debts

Please remember this is just an information tool
We would always recommend you speak to a debt adviser for the most appropriate way to resolve your debt problems. Call our experts on 0800 970 5489 (mobile calls may be cheaper on 0161 605 4826).

What is bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is a legal procedure that lets people clear their debts and 'start over'. There are two main ways you can be declared bankrupt.

You can request it yourself. This is known as a debtor's petition.
Anyone you owe more than £750 can try to make you bankrupt. This is known as a creditors' petition.

Either way, if you are declared bankrupt, you will no longer have to deal with your unsecured debts - or your unsecured creditors. You will be appointed an Official Receiver (OR), and they will take control of your assets (your money and your property) and make sure your creditors all receive a fair share of your assets.

Try our solution finder to find out whether bankruptcy may be right for you.

How do I enter into personal bankruptcy?

You can enter personal bankruptcy by asking a county court to declare you bankrupt. You'd need to download a debtor's petition from the Insolvency Service website or obtain one from any county court which has 'bankruptcy jurisdiction'.

If you're unsure about anything, we can help you. Get in touch for advice on applying for bankruptcy, or try our debt solution finder to find out whether bankruptcy or another solution could help you.

You would need to pay £175 in court fees, although you may be able to have this waived if you meet certain criteria. You would also need to pay a deposit of £525 for the Official Receiver (the officer of the court who would deal with the bankruptcy). This cannot be waived. If the court decides that you should be made bankrupt, a bankruptcy order will be made - and your bankruptcy starts.

How long does personal bankruptcy last?

Once the bankruptcy order has been made, you'll no longer need to make payments to your unsecured creditors. Other debts may be excluded such as fines, and will still need to be paid. Bankruptcy does aim to make sure your creditors receive at least some of what you owe them where possible, so your assets (property, valuable possessions, etc.) may be sold and the money raised split between your creditors.

Depending on your financial situation, you may need to make regular contributions towards your bankruptcy debts - normally for 3 years. You may have to sign an Income Payments Agreement, promising to do this. (If you won't sign it, or don't keep up with the payments, an Income Payment Order may be issued, which means the money can be taken directly out of your income.

You should be discharged from bankruptcy within a year, unless the court believes you haven't cooperated with your Official Receiver, haven't provided all the information required, or haven't been completely honest in some way. Once you're discharged, your personal bankruptcy will be over - although payments to your Income Payments Agreement / Order (if one was issued) will continue.

Call our helpline 0800 970 5489

Alternatively to apply for a free call-back click here

Your obligations when you're bankrupt

If you enter into personal bankruptcy, you will be required to:

supply the Official Receiver with details of your finances, your assets and your creditors
hand your assets over to the Official Receiver, along with any accompanying paperwork (bank statements, insurances policies, etc.)
stop using any credit cards and bank / building society accounts you may have
tell the creditor that you're an undischarged bankrupt if you try to obtain any credit over £500
inform your trustee (the Official Receiver or your Insolvency Practitioner) if you receive any new income or assets while your personal bankruptcy is in progress
stop making payments to your creditors (with some exceptions: outstanding child support payments, for example, or mortgage arrears).

Why is it called 'personal' bankruptcy?

The term 'personal bankruptcy' is used to explain that you're entering into bankruptcy as an individual since bankruptcy can also be a solution used by businesses to draw a line under a debt problem.

Top of page

Fees payable where continuing services provided. Bankruptcy is subject to eligibility and acceptance, alternative solutions may be offered. Your ability to obtain credit will be affected in the short term to medim term and could be affected in the long term. Calls may be recorded and are usually free from UK landlines. Mobile phone users costs may vary and should check with their network provider.

Our debt advisers are helping 1000s of people each month.

For a confidential debt assessment, call:
0800 970 5489