So what are my first steps to go BR please

julesb31

Hi

It looks as though I may finally have the BR fee by next week so now I seriously need to know what first steps I should be taking before the BR goes through.

1- I know I need to open a basic bank account but with who?

2- Do I change my direct debits as soon as new account open and have my salary paid in to it?

3- Is it always assumed that your partner pays half towards your bills as mine doesn't at the moment due to paying off his pay day loans!

4- Where and how do I do a SOA. Do I include my partners wages on it??

5- Is there anything else that is vitally important I should do?

Thanks in advance :eek:

PippaGirl_2

1. The best one is the Co-operative Bank Cashminder account, this is the only one that allows you internet banking. This needs to be opened before you go BR, if you don't/can't do it in time then your other option is the Barclays basic account which does not have internet access.

2. Yes.

3. Yes it is assumed your partner pays 50% of the household expenses unless their income is less than yours. If your partners income is the same as or more than yours, they will be expected to contribute 50% of the expenses. Maybe it's time they dealt with their debt?

4 Hopefully someone will post up a link to the one you can do with a format for the boards

5. You need to get independent impartial legal advice, CAB is usually brilliant. If you turn up at court without having done that, the Judge may refuse your BR application. Or contact stepchange.

foolishboy

I thought CoOp had withdrawn that option?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19621680

..might just be Barclays now.

FB

dojoman

They have withdrawn the option if you are BR when applying for it.

alastairq

As dojo & pippa pointed out.....once the Co-op Cashminder account are opened [pre-BR petition now]....subsequently petitioning BR makes no difference.

However, be aware Co-op operate a '3-strikes' policy...ie, mess up three times and they close that account.

I recommend opening two Cashminder accounts....one to receive income, and the other solely to set-up and pay DD's, SO's and all essential bills.


The 'income' account can be used for 'casual' spending...food, etc.....safe in the knowledge that one doesn't have to worry whether one is depleting bills money.

Simply transfer the required monthly [or otherwise] amounts from the income account to the bills account, when necessary...can be done instantly, online.

arcon5

When I declared bankruptcy I stated on the form:

My income: x
Contributions: y
Total household income therefore (x + y)

y did not represent 50% of the household bills. I simply told the OR the OHs contribution was based on here reduced income and own outgoings and this was accepted without going in to much depth.