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How to apply for bankruptcy. What to do if you’ve been made bankrupt: if you’re at risk of violence, how long it lasts, bankruptcy restrictions, what happens to your home and possessions when you're bankrupt.

• Overview

  Becoming bankrupt is one way to deal with debts you cannot pay. It means…

• Applying to become bankrupt

  There are other options for dealing with your debts that do not restrict…

• If someone's applying to make you bankrupt

  Someone you owe money to can apply to a court to make you bankrupt if you:…

• If you're at risk of violence

  When you’re made bankrupt, your name and address will be published in: the…

• After you've become bankrupt

  You’ll receive a copy of the bankruptcy order. Your name and address will…

• Restrictions

  When you’re bankrupt, you cannot: borrow more than £500 without telling…

• Your home

  The person dealing with your bankruptcy (the ‘trustee’) might sell your…

• Your possessions

  The person dealing with your bankruptcy (the ‘trustee’) will decide if the…

• Your money and income

  You must give the person dealing with your bankruptcy (the ‘trustee’)…

• If you're self employed

  Your business is very likely to be closed, unless the person dealing with…

• Cancel a bankruptcy

  You can apply to cancel (‘annul’) your bankruptcy if: the bankruptcy order…

• When bankruptcy ends

  After 12 months, you’re usually released (‘discharged’) automatically from…

How to apply for bankruptcy online: how much it costs, get help paying the fee, what you’ll need

A dissolved company is one that has been removed or ‘struck off’ from the Companies House register. Once dissolved the company is no longer able to trade.

• Updated: 9 January 2025

Search the Individual Insolvency Register for details about bankruptcy orders, Debt Relief Orders, Individual Voluntary Arrangements, and restrictions orders and undertakings

Form used in insolvent partnership order.

A Debt Relief Order (DRO) is a solution to deal with personal debts you cannot pay. It helps you make a fresh start (with some restrictions).

• Updated: 28 June 2024

We are a government agency that helps to deliver economic confidence by supporting those in financial distress, tackling financial wrongdoing and maximising returns to creditors. The Insolvency Service is an executive agency, sponsored by the Department for Business and Trade...

• Updated: 18 September 2024

Compulsory and voluntary liquidation, the liquidation process, how liquidation affects company directors and the role of a liquidator

Restore a company to the Company Register - administrative restoration, deadlines, fees and forms

Template for a Statement of Affairs (bankruptcy) in relation to the Insolvency (England and Wales) Rules 2016