How do I prove I am discharged?

rebuilding_my_life

I was discharged from bankruptcy around 2003, and thought no more of it. Now my bank is asking for proof, but I can't even remember the court - we never had to attend a hearing. We didn't even see a solicitor (he had a broken leg so it was all done over the phone or by letter). The bankruptcy was a result of being unable to sell our house when we moved from England to Scotland in the 1990s so I don't even know what country it was in! Any idea how I can get something in writing? Do I need to write to every possible court? And will they take weeks to reply and charge me £70 each? Any info would be appreciated!

debtinfo

Ok first we need to decide what country it was, What do you remember from the time, did you do it yourself, did someone else make you bankrupt, did you go to court, did you get letters from the Insolvency service, the Official Receiver, the AIB, how long was the bankruptcy for 2, 3 years. Any of his ringing any bills

rebuilding_my_life

Thanks for the quick reply. We lived in Cumbria, and had to move to Caithness in 1997. The house would not sell and was eventually repossessed, hence the bankruptcy. The mortgage was with the TSB in Cumbria, but by the time bankruptcy happened it was 2000 (I think). A solicitor was appointed, based in Stornoway, but he had a broken leg so we never met him in person. Three years later the bankruptcy was over. Presumably it was handled by a court in Carlisle or Wick or possibly Glasgow. It was all so smooth and uneventful that I've forgotten most of the details. Maybe I should contact every solicitor in Stornoway and ask which one injured his leg in 2000? I just assumed there was some kind of central register somewhere.

Edit: I do remember getting a lot of help from the local Citizen's Advice Bureau. They may have got the ball rolling? Would they keep detailed records this many years on?

debtinfo

Right that sounds like a scottish bankruptcy, which means the way to go could be to contact the AIB who will have a register

rebuilding_my_life

Thanks. I'll do that. Presumably they would know what to do next. I have heard that there's a £70 charge for an official letter proving discharge - is that true in Scotland? Or would the time passed be enough proof?

debtinfo

Have a look here 2nd post

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1056083

rebuilding_my_life

Thanks again. But the links lead to a page that doesn't have any information on what happens after a pre-2008 bankruptcy. Also, I've searched for my name and address (it's an unusual surname and unusual address so should be easy to find) but the site returns zero results. I'm as lost as ever. Possibly the bankruptcy was under English law, but if so, why was a solicitor appointed from the Outer Hebrides?

It all feels like a wall of silence. I never imagined that getting a simple current account ten years later would be so impossible.

rebuilding_my_life

Edit:
London Gazette - no relevant results.
AIB archives - no relevant results.
Someone else suggested the Edinburgh Gazette: SUCCESS!!
I now have a lead and can take it further.

If anyone is reading this thread with a similar problem, try those three sites. They provide the essential names and dates.

coolcait

Hiya!

Glad you managed to find the info you needed.

If your bank insists on proof that you've been discharged from bankruptcy, the AiB can give you a certificate of discharge. I think it costs 11 pounds (each), but don't quote me on that! It's certainly nowhere near 70 quid!

You can check it out by calling 0300 200 2600.

Good luck!