How To Get Help With Bankruptcy Fees
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I want to go bankrupt but I can’t afford the fees and so I’ll end up paying my debts for the rest of my life. How can I get help with bankruptcy fees?
It may seem a strange irony that going bankrupt costs money, and many people are put off considering bankruptcy as a debt solution because of this. However, there are companies and organisations that can help you with bankruptcy fees and who will consider a person’s application on its merits. Below are three possible avenues to consider when trying to get help with bankruptcy fees.
1. Contact utility company Trust Funds
Water, gas and electricity suppliers often run Trust Funds that are specifically set up to assist customers with their fuel costs, and some will accept applications for help with bankruptcy fees. You can obtain an application form by calling the customer services number on your bill. Once you’ve filled this in and sent it back, it’s up to the company concerned to decide if they can help. If they can, the money is offered as a gift and is not repayable by you. Here are some of the larger utility company Trust Fund websites:
If your utility company is not represented here, then simply ask a customer service representative from your supplier who will be able to advise you further.
2. Talk to your union’s Welfare Officer
If you are a member or former member of a union and feel you can talk to the Union’s Welfare Officer, you can ask if they are able to assist by giving help with bankruptcy fees. For union contact information in the UK, find a Union here.
3. Speak to your local Citizens’ Advice Bureau (CAB)
It would also be worth contacting your local Citizens’ Advice Bureau. They may know if there are any local funds that you can apply to, to help with bankruptcy fees.
Free debt advice about bankruptcy
If you’re worried about your level of debt, then you can talk to a Payplan debt adviser who can discuss all your options and recommend the best free debt solution. Call free on 0800 316 1833 or submit a quick debt enquiry online
Update: a new version of this blog is now available by clicking here
Comments 9
I have the papers from the county court and have been given a price of £495.00 in total, can you give me some advice or an organisation that can help me with these costs please.
This is very urgent.
Thanks
Jeff
Hi Jeff
Further advice about help with Bankruptcy fees can be found on the National Debtline’s website here:
http://www.nationaldebtline.co.uk/england_wales/factsheet.php?page=01_bankruptcy#ccf
They will also give you some idea about any reduction to the court fee that you’re entitled to, depending on your circumstances.
If you feel you need further advice, then call the National Debtline on 0808 808 4000 or try your local CAB, or, if you are unsure whether bankruptcy is the best option for you, then chat through your situation with a debt adviser at Payplan on 0800 917 7823.
All the best
Paul
me and my partner are going bankrupt if we can find the fees which because there are two of us then the fee is £990 and surely there must be some help out there. and surely if we had that money we wouldnt have got into debt in the first place.
Hi Samantha
Yes, as the article points out, it is a strange irony that bankruptcy carries a fee – however, the purpose of the fee is to cover the cost that the court incurs for processing a bankruptcy application – including the work that the Official Receiver undertakes to ensure that the process is carried out in the correct manner, and any investigations into an individual’s finances before granting the application.
As mentioned above, if you feel bankruptcy is the best way forward for your particular circumstances, then try contacting some of the energy trusts, the CAB or the National Debtline. Also, if you receive benefits, then you may be entitled to a reduction in the fee required.
If you want a second opinion about whether bankruptcy is suitable for you, then give Payplan a call – they can look at any alternatives for you, and if bankruptcy is still the best option, then they will recommend it anyway.
Hope this is helpful
Paul
I live with my parents and am in debt and want to go bankrupt, I have just lost my job and am making a claim for job seekers allowance but this will be contribution based jsa, I need to get the funds together for the bankruptcy costs, can I go anywhere for help, I dont have any household bills in my name as I live with my parents.
Please help
In Scotland it costs (@ 2010) £100 to file for bankruptcy. The form is quite easy to complete, and depending on how much you owe, incomings, outgoings, etc, will vary in the length of time it takes to complete. However, if you feel you need help with the form, then CAB or any other local government run debt advice centre will assist you in completing the form.
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