Declare Yourself Bankrupt

To declare yourself bankrupt you need to present a bankruptcy petition to the relevant court. This will be the High Court in London or the County Court where you have traded or lived the longest in the previous six months. It is always advisable to contact the court in advance to make an appointment and ensure that you have the correct court.

To declare yourself bankrupt you will need to present:

• a statement of affairs (form 6.28)
• a debtor’s petition (form 6.27)
• the required fees

The forms can now be completed online at www.insolvencydirect.gov.uk/isolv/

The forms can also be downloaded at www.insolvency.gov.uk/forms/englandwalesforms

The cost to declare yourself bankrupt is:

• £360 administration fee
• £150 court deposit which is means tested
• £12 charge to swear the affidavit at the High Court. This charge does not exist at the County Court.

You cannot present a joint petition, married couples declare bankruptcy separately. This means paying twice.