Bankruptcy

In terms of solving debts, bankruptcy is an extreme solution, and is only suitable for debtors when all other options are exhausted.

Bankruptcy is a very public process and converts your possessions and disposable income into cash to repay some or all of your outstanding credit commitments to your creditors.

This section should offer you an overview of the Bankruptcy process, and we provide a free service offering you the most specialist advice. If you have any questions regarding bankruptcy, please see the One Advice Bankruptcy FAQs section or contact our advisors on 0800 019 5870 who will answer any questions that you might have.

How Does Bankruptcy Work?

Bankruptcy should be seen as a last resort for those who find themselves insolvent, which means they cannot afford to pay back their debts.  

A Bankruptcy Order can be filed by either the individual or the lender at a county court. An Official Receiver is appointed to find out details of the debt and how it occurred, which will take place through a course of meetings where the debtor must provide information about their debt as well their assets. 

The outcome of the Bankruptcy order is often a combination of the bankruptcy period lasting between 12 - 36 months, lump sums to be made to the creditor (which will be done through selling the debtors assets) and monthly contributions from income.

Details about the order are published in national and local newspapers, and recorded on the Insolvency Register and with the Credit Reference Agencies. During the bankruptcy period there are harsh restrictions made on the debtor, such as all bank accounts will be closed.

Bankruptcy Alternatives 

It is important to remember that there are other alternatives to bankruptcy. IVAs were introduced by the Government so that people could avoid having to declare themselves bankrupt. Please see our IVA page for more information.

If you find yourself in serious financial difficulties and want further bankruptcy information, please give One Advice a call on 0800 019 5870 and let one of our specialist advisors help you through this stressful time.

If you are unsure of your options and want to avoid Bankruptcy, then try the One Advice One Minute Debt Test to see your debt solution options. 

Entering into an IVA may adversely affect your credit rating for up to six years from the date of approval.

Your property will be protected within an IVA but you may be required to release all or part of any equity during the period of the arrangement.

Failure to complete the term of an IVA can result in bankruptcy.

(In Scotland, a PTD is the equivalent to an IVA.)