Bankruptcy help - Piggy's helpline

If you have read about me then you will already know that I too went bankrupt and subsequently passed an insolvency qualification. I have used both my knowledge and personal experience to put together this website and helpline.

What can you get from the helpline?

The following help is available:

• You can call for general debt help to establish the best solution or to obtain a second opinion on your situation
• You can use the bankruptcy service. Please ask for cost upon calling.

On occasions people decide to go bankrupt without seeking help. Help is important for a number of reasons:

• Highlight any potential problems (before you go to court)
• Help you strategically prepare yourself for bankruptcy
• Remove the uncertainty so that you and your family know exactly what is going to happen
• Provide support during the bankruptcy so that you can have your questions answered and are not left worrying

The overriding objective of bankruptcy help is to minimise the impact on you and your family.

The bankruptcy service offers you the following:

• All forms completed to the standard required by the courts
• The consequences of your particular case will be explained to you
• The impact on your family will be explained
• Any potential legal issues or problematic areas will be highlighted. You can then be put in contact with an insolvency solicitor or a licensed insolvency practitioner.
• You will receive help preparing your income and expenditure statement. Remember, the court will expect you to contribute to your debts for three years if you can afford to.
• Help preparing for the Official Receiver's interview
• Continue help and support until your discharge

Why did I set up this helpline?

One of the things I remember about my bankruptcy was the daunting task of seeking help. The charities did not seem to have the specialist knowledge, debt management companies just wanted to sell me some kind of plan and I just wanted my questions answered.

In the end I was fortunate enough that my parents afforded me advice that I needed from a solicitor. This, along with my own research, made me realise what a difference the right help can make. Although I did not find the bankruptcy process particularly pleasant, it could have been much worse if I went into bankruptcy without the knowledge that I had. The whole purpose of the helpline is to meet the needs of people considering bankruptcy.

As mentioned above you can use the helpline by calling the number at the top of the page or by requesting a call back.

Please see the consequences of bankruptcy page for more information on some of the potential outcomes of bankruptcy. Although it only scrapes the surface it hopefully explains the need for good advice.