Filing Bankruptcy
Subscribe to Newsletter +Filing for bankruptcy in the UK is something you can do yourself by presenting a debtor's petition (bankruptcy form) at the High Court in London or at a county court near to where you live. In order to file for bankruptcy you must be able to show that you are unable to pay your debts.
The Bankruptcy Forms
Filing bankruptcy requires 2 forms to be completed:
- The bankruptcy petition, which is form 6.27. The petition form is your request for bankruptcy.
- The statement of affairs, which is known as form 6.28. It is used to detail your assets, liabilities and contact details of creditors. It is also your declaration of insolvency that you will need to swear on oath.
For more information on these forms please see the bankruptcy forms page.
Both of these bankruptcy forms are available free of charge from your local county court or online at the insolvency service website. The forms can also be completed online but you will still need to file them at court.
The Cost of Filing Bankruptcy
Unfortunately filing for bankruptcy costs.
- £360 towards the administration of your bankruptcy. This is known as the deposit and must be paid.
- £150 court fee that may not have to be paid. This is means tested.
- £12 if you swear the statement of affairs in the High Court or before a solicitor.
Each married couple pays a separate fee.
Filing Bankruptcy at Court
Once the forms have been completed and you have the appropriate fees you are ready for filing bankruptcy at court. It is advisable to contact your local county court and book an appointment.
See also Bankruptcy Court.
It is very important that you seek advice in advance of filing for bankruptcy. The Judge will want to know that you fully understand the consequences before declaring you bankrupt. For information on where to seek professional advice go to the advice page.
Filing Bankruptcy - The Creditor's Petition
It is important to realise that one or more of your creditors who are owed at least £750 or more by you, and that amount is unsecured, can present a creditor's petition to start the bankruptcy process. If a creditor has started proceedings a bankruptcy order can still be made even if you do not agree.
If a creditor is threatening action against you and you want to avoid bankruptcy then you must act quick, contact Piggy for information on where to seek help on defending the petition.
