Applying to become bankrupt: Overview – GOV.UK

You can apply to make yourself bankrupt if you cant pay your debts.

Your application will be looked at by someone who works for the Insolvency Service called an adjudicator. Theyll decide if you should be made bankrupt.

You can only apply for bankruptcy online. It costs 680.

If the adjudicator makes you bankrupt:

You can apply to have your address removed from the Individual Insolvency Register if publishing it will put you at risk of violence. This wont affect your bankruptcy.

After 12 months youre usually released (discharged) from your bankruptcy restrictions and debts. Assets that were part of your estate during the bankruptcy period can still be used to pay your debts.

You might be able to cancel (annul) your bankruptcy before youre discharged.

Read the following:

You can also contact the National Debtline for bankruptcy advice.

You cant apply to make yourself bankrupt in England or Wales if you live in Scotland or Northern Ireland.

You might be able to apply if you live anywhere else - talk to a debt adviser.

You must not break the bankruptcy restrictions in England or Wales. These might also apply outside England and Wales - check the laws of the country you live in.

See the article here:

Applying to become bankrupt: Overview - GOV.UK