How to petition for your own bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a serious matter. You do not have to become bankrupt just because you are in debt. Other options may be more suitable for you.

10. Where can I obtain further information?

For further information, contact Debt Help UK 0800 088 7505 or refer to The Insolvency Service booklet - 'Guide to Bankruptcy'.

11. What additional help is available for users with a disability?

If a disability makes going to court or communicating difficult for you, please contact the Customer Service Officer of the court concerned as they may be able to help. If the court's Customer Service Officer cannot help, please contact the Court Service Disability Helpline on 0800 358 3506, between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. Calls to this number are free. If you are deaf or hard of hearing, you can use the Minicom service on 0191 478 1476.

12. Insolvency terms

Bankruptcy order

A court order making you bankrupt.

Bankruptcy petition

A request made (by you as a debtor or one your creditors) to the court for you to be made bankrupt, and giving the reasons why.

Creditor

Someone you owe money to.

Debtor

Someone who owes you money.

Debts

The money you owe.

Insolvency practitioner

An authorised person who specialises in insolvency, usually an accountant or solicitor. They are authorised either by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry or by one of a number of recognised professional bodies.

Jurisdiction

The authority of a court to deal with legal proceedings.

Trustee

The trustee in bankruptcy is either the Official Receiver or an insolvency practitioner who takes control of your assets. The trustee's main duties are to sell these assets and share the money out among your creditors.

Unsecured creditor

A creditor who does not hold security (such as a mortgage) for the money you owe.

Unsecured debt

A debt owed to an unsecured creditor.

This booklet provides general information only. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information is accurate, but it is not a full and authoritative statement of the law and you should not rely on it as such. The Insolvency Service cannot accept any responsibility for any errors or omissions as a result of negligence or otherwise.

© Crown copyright 2001.
The information in this booklet is subject to Crown copyright protection. Source: 'Dealing With Debt - How to petition for your own bankruptcy' issued by The Insolvency Service in partnership with the Court Service.