Where to get Bankruptcy Advice
If you ave any questions about bankruptcy or how to avoid bankruptcy then please ask me (Ask Piggy)
It doesn't matter whether it's specifically bankruptcy advice or just general debt advice which is being sought. The important fact is that advice is the utmost important factor in dealing with debt.
Being in debt can be scary for anyone let alone the prospect of bankruptcy. With the options available bankruptcy may not be the best option and it is quite possible to avoid bankruptcy if advice is taken early enough. For example, an IVA will allow you to keep your house and other assets. It may be more suitable than bankruptcy. See IVA Centre
Advisors are professionally trained to help people with debt problems no matter how big or small. Many people are frightened by the level of debt they have and automatically associate high levels with bankruptcy. The truth is whilst bankruptcy is an option there are alternatives and its important to establish which course of action best fits an individuals circumstances.
Below is a list of organisations with descriptions of the service they offer.
| Organisation | Web site | Telephone |
| Business Debtline | www.bdl.org.uk | 0800 197 6026. |
| Citizens Advice | www.adviceguide.org.uk | 0207 833 2181 |
| Community Legal Service Direct | www.clsdirect.org.uk | 0845 345 4 345 |
| Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) | www.cccs.co.uk | 0800 138 1111 |
| National Debtline | www.nationaldebtline.co.uk | 0808 808 4000 |
| Lawyers For Your Business (LFYB) | 0207 405 9075 | |
| Small Business Service (SBS): Business Link | 0845 600 9006 |
Business Debtline
The Business Debtline provides a free telephone debt counselling service for the self-employed and small businesses facing financial difficulties. Advice is free, independent and confidential.
You can call Business Debtline free on 0800 197 6026. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and there is a 24-hour answering machine service.
Citizens Advice
Citizens Advice is a registered charity that offers free, independent and confidential advice throughout the UK.
You can call 0207 833 2181 to find your local CAB office. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm. The Citizens Advice web site contains a directory of local CAB offices. For advice, visit the CAB Advice Guide web site.
Community Legal Service Direct
The Community Legal Service (CLS) is run by the Legal Services Commission (LSC) and it replaces what was previously known as legal aid. The CLS Directory lists solicitors and advice agencies in your area.
You can call the Directory Line on 0845 345 4 345. Lines are open Monday to Sunday from 9am to 5.30pm. You can find a CLS-approved legal advisor using the CLS Directory. This directory is available at your local library or at www.clsdirect.org.uk. This web site is available in English, Welsh, Urdu, Bengali, Chinese, Punjabi and Gujarati.
Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS)
The CCCS is a registered charity dedicated to providing free, confidential counselling and money management assistance to families and individuals in financial distress. They provide counselling on budgeting; advice on the wise use of credit; and, where appropriate, achievable plans to repay outstanding debts.
You can call them free on 0800 138 1111. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm. You can also visit their web site at www.cccs.co.uk
National Debtline
National Debtline provides free, confidential and independent expert advice over the telephone for anyone experiencing financial difficulty. Callers will receive a free self-help information pack.
You can call free on 0808 808 4000. Lines are open Monday to Friday 9am to 9pm and Saturdays from 9.30am to 1pm. There is a 24-hour answerphone. They can also be found at www.nationaldebtline.co.uk
Lawyers For Your Business (LFYB)
LFYB is a Law Society initiative that represents some 1,400 firms of solicitors in England and Wales who have come together to ensure that businesses, especially the smaller owner-managed ones, get access to sound legal advice when they need it.
You can call the hotline on 0207 405 9075. Lines are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5.30pm. You will be sent a list of the member solicitors in your area (including information on specialist areas of work and languages spoken) and a voucher for a free consultation.
Small Business Service (SBS): Business Link
The Small Business Service (SBS) is a government agency that has been established to help small businesses and provide them with a single source of high quality information and advice.
You can call 0845 600 9006. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm. You can also visit www.sbs.gov.uk and www.businesslink.org
