If you want to go Bankrupt in England or Wales there are a number of things you will need to do. The following guide explains these in detail.

Included in this article:

• Complete your Bankruptcy Application Form
• Pay the Fee & Submit the Application
• Application reviewed by Adjudicator
• Interview with the Official Receiver

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The process described here is for bankruptcy in England & Wales only. The steps you need to take are different if you are living in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

1. Complete your Bankruptcy Application Form

In England & Wales you now need to apply to go Bankrupt on-line. You first have to create an account on the Government’s application website.

Once you have created your account you will be given access to the application form. This will normally take 3-4 hours to complete. If you wish you can save it and come back to it later.

Make sure that the information you submit is accurate and correct in particular your income and expenses budget. Once you are bankrupt, it will be used by the Official Receiver to assess whether you will have to continue paying towards your debts.

To review the information you will be required to submit in your application we can e-mail you a paper version of the form. Click on the “Download Bankruptcy Forms” Button at the top right of this page (or at the bottom if you are using a mobile device).

The Adjudicator is unable to provide advice about bankruptcy or completing the forms. If you want help with your application please contact us about our Bankruptcy Assistance Service. 

2. Pay the Bankruptcy Application Fee & Submit your Application

Before you can submit your application form you will have to pay the bankruptcy application fee. You can do this via the on-line system using a debit or credit card.

There are different options you can consider that might help you get together the money you need. You could borrow the cash from a friend or use available credit facility such as a credit card. Alternatively you could save the money.

Once your on-line form is complete and you have paid your fee you can submit your application.

The on line application system will allow you to pay your application fee in instalments. However you will not be able to submit your application until the fee is paid in full.

3. Application Reviewed by Adjudicator

After your application has been submitted it will be reviewed by the Adjudicator. They will carry out a credit check against you so that they can confirm your identity.

If the Adjudicator has any questions they will contact you via e-mail and ask. Given that the information you have provided is complete you will then be declared bankrupt.

Given your application is completed correctly, you can be identified from the credit check and you are eligible for bankruptcy you can expect to be made bankrupt the next working day.

Although the Adjudicator has up to 28 days to consider your application the decision is normally made within one working day.

4. Interview with the Official Receiver

Shortly after you go Bankrupt you will be contacted by the Official Receiver (OR). They will want to agree a convenient time to interview you.

During the interview they will go through your application form in detail. They will ask you any questions they feel are necessary to help them understand your financial circumstances.

After the interview the Official Receiver will decide what if anything you should pay towards your debts. They will also decide what to do about any valuable assets you own such as a property or vehicle.

They may require you to submit additional paperwork to assist their investigation. This could include bank statements and proof of income such as wage slips.

Your interview will normally be conducted over the telephone and last about 1 hour. If you are self employed you may be required to meet the Official Receiver face to face at their office.