Welcome to the Bankruptcy Section of the Insolvency Service Website

This section covers general information you may require regarding 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 (click here) and partnerships (click here).

You may find it helpful to read our guidance leaflets "Guide to Bankruptcy" and "What happens when you are interviewed by the Official Receiver", which are available in the Guidance Section of this website.

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.

The Citizens Advice Bureaux is an organisation, which also may be in a position to offer advice to you in respect of any debts.