My BR day - from start to finish

Dorothy56

6.45 and the alarm sprung into action. I had hoped for a gentle start to the day, but my children decided otherwise! It was probably better that way, as I was so busy getting them all ready for school I didn’t have too much time to ponder my fate.

My appointment was at 10, and although the court is only about a 15 minute drive from our house, I was so keen not to be late that we left at 9.15. Thank goodness we did as there were huge roadworks and we ended up sitting in a traffic jam for 15 minutes.

Arrived and managed to park opposite the court.

When the usher asked if I knew where I was going I quietly said bankruptcy, he lowered his voice and replied ‘you need the general office, and don’t worry, it’s not as bad as you think’

As I walked towards the General Office the door was just being unlocked. I walked up to the BR counter and a lovely, smiling lady came up and asked if I had an appointment. Yes, at 10 o’clock I replied.

Oh then you must be Dorothy, I’m *** and I will be doing it all with you today. She was absolutely wonderful and completely put me at ease. Every time I looked a bit wobbly she asked if I was OK. Apparently they have lots of people who think it’s all a bit of a laugh, even students from the local University - which I found amazing. Maybe it’s an age thing, but I certainly didn’t feel it was anything less than a very solemn occasion. When I placed my hand on the Bible to swear the affidavit, that’s when it seemed to really hit home. I, yes me, really was going bankrupt.

After checking all my forms, which she congratulated me on, she took me up to the court waiting area. After only about 5 minutes I was called and followed the Usher to a room that was like a mini court, with, I have to say, the most dishy looking Judge you could ever imagine.

Due to my circumstances I had written requesting that my details are not advertised in the press following the bankruptcy. He said it was something he didn’t really know about, so left me for a short time while he went to find out. He then came back and rang the OR’s office from the court. Eventually, once he was aware what he had to do, he also granted the order that my BR was not to be made public.

He read all through my BR paperwork and asked a few questions then declared me BR at 11.15. As I went to stand up I suddenly felt my legs were about to give way, I don‘t honestly know if it was the relief or a swoon!. He passed me my file and wished me good luck for my future.

Back down to the general office where **** took my file, agreed that I had been before a lovely Judge, then I went and had a lovely cupp of tea while she completed the paperwork.

Upon my return she took me into a little office to talk to the OR examiner, the same lady who will be interviewing me. Again, a really nice person who explained everything to me, asked me a few questions and then said did I have her number in case I was still having calls from creditors, so I can tell them to contact her from now.

By 11.30 I was on my way home. The sense of relief is immeasurable and I am now looking forward to much needed sleep to make up for all the nights I have laid awake worrying.

I won’t be cracking any champagne, it’s just back to normal at home but with an enormous sense that at last I do have a future that isn’t filled with dread and worry.

startagain_2

Dorothy - Wonderful story and thanks for sharing!

Fancy the judge being able to stop it being put in the local press - that's great and what a relief for you. Well Done!

Best Wishes

SA

garyj123

Thank you so much for this story, it has finally made my mind up for me to go for it myself after months and months of no sleep at night and constant worry. I will make sure i post my story up here to and in turn hope it helps someone else in the same situation.

dalip

Well done dotty. I am proud of you:D :T :j :j :j :j .

Have a good nights sleep and i will catch you tomorrow;)

JennyGiraffe

Well done and I'm glad the day went smoothly - can I have a dishy judge as well?!!

deb68_2

Well done Dorothy.hope you get a good nights restfull sleep.
take care

peachyprice

Dorothy sweetie, I'm so glad you finally plucked up the courage.
A great big well done to you. :j

Dodger61

Heres to the rest of your debt free life. The first few weeks are very much a case of as you were, with the creditors not yet knowing you are BR. Just give them your BR no and the court you were made BR, or ask them to check on the insolvency service. The calls WILL stop, the post WILL stop. But what a relief, good luck

jellygirl_2

Thanks for sharing this - Ive got mine coming up in March and Im very encouraged by your experience. Rang my local court the other day and woman I spoke to was very nice and helpful and I will have to see a judge but its very informal apparently, but Im sure I will still find it a very solemn occasion just like you did. Cant wait to get it over and out of the way. Hope all goes well from now on for you - be peaceful:)

tululajac

hello
well done thanks for posting what happened to u have my and oh br on thursday and am v.nervous
one question what did you have to write to get the judge to sgree that it didnot appear in local press?? as have didnot know that this was possible

anyway good luck with rest of your debt free life

JCS1

tululajac wrote: »

hello
well done thanks for posting what happened to u have my and oh br on thursday and am v.nervous
one question what did you have to write to get the judge to sgree that it didnot appear in local press?? as have didnot know that this was possible

anyway good luck with rest of your debt free life

Not being advertised in the press is very unusual, the most common reason is for vicitms of domestic abuse who don't want their ex's to find out their new address.

I believe Dorothy has her own exceptional reasons for this being granted, but BR not being advertised is very rare - as proved by the Judge having to phone the OR for guidance.