How long does it take to go Bankrupt
- 22 Dec 2021
Bankruptcy can be implemented very quickly. After submitting your application you will normally be bankrupt the next working day. You then have immediate protection from your creditors.
Included in this article:
- Completing the Application Form
- When will you be made bankrupt
- When will you hear from the Official Receiver?
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The information given on this page relates to going bankrupt in England or Wales. The time it takes to go bankrupt in Northern Ireland and Scotland is different.
How long does it take to complete the Bankruptcy Application Form
In England an Wales your bankruptcy application is submitted on-line via the Government’s Bankruptcy website. You will have to register to gain access to the application form.
The form requires details about four key arears of your financial situation. The amount of debt you owe and to whom; Your income; Your living expenses and Assets.
If you have all of this information to hand it will normally take between 3-4 hours to fill out. You can save your work, log out and then log in again at a later date if you wish.
You will need to pay a bankruptcy application fee. It can be paid in instalments but must be paid in full before your application form can be submitted.
When will you be made Bankrupt
Once you have paid your fee and submitted your application it is reviewed by the Adjudicator. Officially they have up to 28 days to do this but it will normally be done the next working day.
Given you qualify you will be made bankrupt immediately. They will send you an e-mail confirming that the status of your application has changed.
If the Adjudicatior has any questions about the information you have provided they will contact you and ask. This is usually done via e-mail. Your application will be suspended until you respond.
The Adjudicator is unable to give advice on completing your application. If you require help please contact us about our Bankruptcy Assistance Service.
As long as you qualify for bankruptcy the Adjudicator is unlikely to have any objection to your application. Given this you will normally be bankrupt the next working day.
How long will you wait until you hear from the Official Receiver?
Once you are bankrupt your circumstances are then managed by the Official Receiver (OR). Generally speaking an Examiner from the OR’s office will contact you within a week of your bankruptcy date.
They will want to arrange a time have an interview with you so they can understand more about your situation. This will normally take about an hour and be conducted on the telephone.
The Examiner will speak to you about your debts and how they came about. They may also want to clarify information about your assets, income and living expenses budget.
Need more advice or assistance to go bankrupt. Call 0800 044 3194 or complete the form below.