Bankruptcy help - Piggy's helpline

This helpline is a service that I have set up to provide you with access to professional help. I have arranged for an independent bankruptcy adviser called Ann Marie to respond to your enquiries. Although Ann Marie is not employed by myself she has been chosen to provide the advice because of her experience, knowledge and the fact that she cares about the people that she helps. You can contact Ann Marie for help by calling the local rate number above or by requesting a call back.

What can you get from the helpline?

The following help is available:

• You can call for general debt advice to establish if bankruptcy is your best option – This is free
• You can call and ask questions about the bankruptcy process in the UK – This is free
• You can use the bankruptcy service - please ask for costs upon calling.

Ann Marie's 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

Whatever your situation, please feel free to get in touch. It is so important that you get the right help.

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.