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  • Bankruptcy

    Topics:
    • Insolvency service, 
    • Bankruptcy in Northern Ireland

    This section covers general information about the bankruptcy process.

    What is bankruptcy?

    Bankruptcy is one way of dealing with debts you cannot pay. The bankruptcy proceedings free you from overwhelming debts so you can make a fresh start, subject to some restrictions, and make sure your assets are shared out fairly among your creditors.

    Anyone can go bankrupt, including individual members of a partnership. There are different insolvency procedures for dealing with companies and partnerships.

    You may find it helpful to read our guidance leaflets "A Guide to Bankruptcy" and "What happens when you are interviewed by the Official Receiver".

    We cannot advise you on specific insolvency matters such as whether you should go bankrupt or look at alternatives (see Alternatives to Bankruptcy).

    You should get independent advice on these matters from a solicitor, qualified accountant, or authorised insolvency practitioner (see List of Insolvency Practitioners) or a reputable financial advisor or debt councillor.

    Debt advice agencies

    Advice on where to get help is on nidirect including free debt advice from Citizens Advice.

    Related content

    • Alternatives to bankruptcy
    • Bankruptcy and travelling abroad
    • Bankruptcy restrictions
    • Cancelling a bankruptcy order
    • Complete Form 6.31 Statement of Affairs (Debtor's Petition) online
    • Creditors of a bankrupt
    • Dear IP Letter 57
    • Dear IP Letter 58
    • Discharge from bankruptcy
    • Effect of bankruptcy
    • Employees of bankrupts and insolvent companies
    • Forms used for making yourself bankrupt
    • Individual Voluntary Arrangement Register
    • Insolvency Guidance
    • Insolvency Service - do it online
    • Making someone bankrupt
    • Making yourself bankrupt
    • Pay your bankruptcy deposit online
    • Pay your deposit online
    • Statutory forms used in bankruptcy and proxy forms for individual and company insolvency
    • Step Up bursary - financial help when needed
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