Legal Matters: Bankruptcy - how the legal process works

Anybody who knows about capitalism knows that bankruptcy is an essential part of  capitalism

Joseph Stiglitz

1. What is Bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy is a legal process where an individual is declared unable to pay their  Creditors. The property or assets of an individual, who is unable to pay their debts (called  a Debtor) are transferred to be sold by a person known as an official assignee who is given  charge of the property by the High Court. When the property or assets are sold, the costs,  expenses, court fees and certain priority debts are paid. After this, the net proceeds are  distributed to those owed money (the Creditors).

2. How will bankruptcy work for me?

Bankruptcy is a settlement of the debts of someone who is wholly or partially unable to  repay their debts. It deals with both secured and unsecured debt. The purpose of the  bankruptcy is to distribute your assets fairly among your creditors and protect you from  these creditors.

3. What is the bankruptcy process?

Lodge €200 with the Official Assignee.

Complete your petition, which must be verified by a sworn affidavit and a sworn statement  of affairs. Have the above documents stamped at a Court Stamp Office. File the stamped documents and statement of affairs at the Examiner’s Office and obtain a court date.

Attend the court hearing on that date, where the judge, if satisfied, will adjudicate you bankrupt.

Meet the Official Assignee to be interviewed regarding your assets and debts.

File notice of your adjudication as a bankrupt in Iris Oifigiúil (the State gazette).

File notice of your adjudication as a bankrupt either on the ISI’s website or in a national daily newspaper.

4. How can we help?

Our 3-stage process

1. Consultation

A consultation with our Bankruptcy Solicitors will help us and you to understand the nature of  your financial challenges and allow us to strategize the best path forward for you.

2. Review

Our Bankruptcy Solicitors will request copies of all relevant documentation from your creditors  in order to consider whether they have acted fairly and lawfully in all circumstances.

3. Advices

Based on stages 1 and 2 above our Bankruptcy Solicitors issue a letter of advices advising you  on the various options open to you including Bankruptcy, Insolvency or the issuing of legal  proceedings against your alleged creditors along with the restrictions and likely outcomes of  each option.