I've done the deed - I'm officially bankrupt!

wherediditallgo wrote: »

Started off the day being caught in murderous traffic in the pouring rain, thinking I'd never make it on time. Got there for 9.30am in the end, feeling wretched. However, the woman from the volunteer unit was so helpful - she accompanied me through each stage of the process, showed me shortcuts around the RCJ (I'd have been totally lost without her) & ensured I got what I needed when I needed to. I didn't have to pay the court fees - the fees clerk said they don't charge them for bankruptcy petitions, so I had a lot more money in my pocket than I expected (even allowing for raiding the cashpoints this morning ).

After I submitted my petition, I was told to come back at 2pm, so I used the time to dive off to the Co-operative Bank in Holborn - the chap said you have to make an appointment to set up the account, but I stood my ground & reminded him of what the word 'co-operative' meant, & he relented. It still takes about a week to set up, but at least it's done.

Then I had a lovely lunch courtesy of a friend at Pizza Express, before getting the bus back to the RCJ. My lovely volunteer woman met me just before 2pm & took me to where I had to get my petition from, then I got told I had to see the OR this afternoon, no if nor buts about it. Full of trepidation, I took myself off to the OR's office further up in Holborn, but it went well. Nothing I'd put was queried - the only thing she wanted to know was why I decided to go bankrupt today. I told her the only thing that was going to be different in a week's time was that they'd be charging £10 more for people to file, & I'd had enough of debt letters, solicitors letters etc. I wanted the start of the new tax year to be a new start for me.

Nothing else was queried, not even my Sky with broadband or my extra money for food at work. No mention was made of wanting any money from me every month either, so it looks like I haven't got an IPA either. Though I left the OR's office about 3.30pm, my bankruptcy order is stamped 12.15pm on 29 March 2007. For the first time in I don't know how many years, I don't owe anyone a penny, & it's a really odd feeling, but I'm getting used to it.

I know I've said it before, but I admire anyone who can get through this process without help from anyone else. I couldn't have done the paperwork, & certainly wouldn't have had as much information about what goes on without people here being so willing to give their advice & support so freely. I'll always be grateful, & I'll never ever forget it.

wherediditallgo wrote: »

I did - hope you felt it too.

It's so weird how we went through so much filling in all that paperwork, yet the only bit that actually matters is the circular stamp on the bankruptcy order. Mine says "Supreme Court of Judicature" with today's date, & that's the only bit I care about now. For years I've thought there was a stigma about the word bankrupt. I won't be broadcasting the fact I'm bankrupt to all & sundry, but I don't feel demeaned by the word at all.

I've made a nice start on the Bacardi. It's just as well that I'm not working tomorrow, as I think my head's going to be banging.