Personal Bankruptcy Options

Debt Solution

Declaring Personal Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a legal process that provides financial relief when you can no longer repay your debts. Upon completion of a bankruptcy you are discharged from your debts, meaning you longer have to pay them back.

Once You Declare Bankruptcy

Once you declare bankruptcy you will be relieved from the harassment by those you owe money to and legal actions taken against you, meaning:

Creditors can no longer contact you

Your wages can no longer be garnished

Any active lawsuits are ended

Frozen funds are released

It is important to consider that while you may think being relieved from all of your debts is the quick and easiest way to get your finances back on track, filing for personal bankruptcy can have a significant impact on your life. Our Licensed Insolvency Trustees at Crowe MacKay & Company are committed to working with you to review all the options available, such as a consumer proposal, before deciding to declare personal bankruptcy.

Do I Qualify for Personal Bankruptcy?

To be eligible for bankruptcy, you must be insolvent. There are several factors to consider when determining whether you are insolvent, including:

Residing, conducting business or owning property in Canada

Having debts greater than $1,000

Not being able to satisfy financial obligations as they become due

Having more debt than the value of the assets that you own

Although you may consider yourself insolvent, there may be other options besides bankruptcy. Your first step should be to contact us and meet with one of our Licensed Insolvency Trustees in Vancouver or Surrey.

How Personal Bankruptcy Works

Below is what you can expect when filing for personal bankruptcy:

1. Getting to Know You

First, you will work with one of our trusted professionals, who will review your current financial situation. This free consultation includes reviewing your current income and expenses (child/spousal support, medical expenses, child care costs, etc.) and your assets.

2. Declaring Bankruptcy

Once we determine your financial state, we will file the appropriate forms with the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy (OSB). Once the OSB has accepted the forms, you will be in bankruptcy and your creditors will be notified.

3. Selling of Assets

Your non-exempt assets will be assigned to us for resale to begin the repayment of debt to your creditors; this may include property acquired during your bankruptcy. Certain assets may be exempt from seizure, such as clothing, tools of the trade, cars, RRSPs, and your principal residence. This will be discussed during your initial consultation.

4. Surplus Income Payments

Depending on your income level, you may be required to make payments to us (your Trustee) for distribution to your creditors during your bankruptcy term.. These are called surplus income payments.

Surplus income may arise if your household income exceeds the prescribed standard set by the OSB. This calculation varies depending on your family size and income.

5. Term of Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy terms vary but typically range between 9 and 21 months for first-time bankrupts depending on whether or not they have surplus income.

My Duties to Perform During Personal Bankruptcy

Once you have declared personal bankruptcy, you must fulfill specific duties to get discharged. Some of the essential tasks are:

Making the required surplus income payments

Attending two counselling sessions

Reporting your monthly income and expenses

Disclosing all your property and provide documents requested by us (the Trustee)

Surrendering all non-exempt assets along with your credit cards to the Trustee

Providing the Trustee with your income tax information

Upon completing all these duties, you will be eligible for automatic discharge. If you are not compliant with these activities or provide false information, may not receive your discharge from bankruptcy without additional requirements.

Personal Bankruptcy FAQs

Benefits of Filing for Personal Bankruptcy

Some of the advantages of filing for personal bankruptcy include:

  • No longer receiving calls from creditors: We will deal with your creditors on your behalf. Filing for personal bankruptcy prevents creditors from continuing or commencing any action against you, preventing them from making harassing calls, suing, or sending threatening letters to you.
  • Terminating any current legal proceedings: Wage garnishments and legal proceedings will also be stopped when you declare personal bankruptcy.
  • Keeping certain assets: When filing for personal bankruptcy, while you will have to give up assets, you will be able to keep certain items. Each province has its exemptions. Contact your Crowe MacKay & Company trusted Licensed Insolvency Trustee for more information on your region’s exemptions.
What Happens to My Income After Declaring Bankruptcy?

Your income is unaffected by bankruptcy, but you must report your monthly income and spending to us (your LIT) when you file for bankruptcy.  You may also be required to make surplus income payments to the bankruptcy depending on the amount of your income.  You are also required to notify your Trustee of any changes in your income during the proceedings.

What Happens to My Assets After Declaring Personal Bankruptcy?

When you declare personal bankruptcy, you agree to assign your non-exempt  personal assets to the Trustee. Certain things are exempt from seizure, including clothing, tools of the trade and retirement plans.

What Happens to My Debts After Declaring Personal Bankruptcy?

Declaring personal bankruptcy will not always clear all your debts. Some debts, such as child support payments, some student loans and criminal fines, are not included in the bankruptcy.

Insights

What Are Your Options for Clearing Your Debt?

What Are Your Options for Clearing Your Debt?

What Are the Alternative Debt Solutions?

What Are the Alternative Debt Solutions?

Who Will Know if I File for Bankruptcy in Vancouver and Surrey? A Complete Guide to Your Privacy Concerns

Who Will Know if I File for Bankruptcy in Vancouver and Surrey? A Complete Guide to Your Privacy Concerns

What to Expect during Personal Bankruptcy

What to Expect during Personal Bankruptcy

Contact Our Trusted Licensed Insolvency Trustees

If you’d like to connect with one of our Licensed Insolvency Trustees in Vancouver or Surrey, call (604) 689 3928, email trustee@crowemackay.ca, or fill in the form below.

Book a Free Consultation

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