Submitted Application - what next?!

db2016

hi all,

after around 6 months, last weds i finally clicked submit online.

the week before, I applied and got a PARV order to go along with the BR application, i then arranged to see the CAB advisor who was helping throughout the months, and we ceremoniously almost clicked the send button online!

a day later i received a missed call (i had been ignoring calls), and rang back and was the BR adjudicator, who wanted the PARV order info, so i scanned and emailed that over, and the status on the BR "account" online was changed to approved.

does this mean i have been granted BR?? and all that comes with it, eg debts written off etc and i can breathe a sigh of relief? or is it still not done yet? i noticed on the BR account, that there was a document there saying that within 2 weeks someone would be in touch, this hasnt happened yet

but just this minute, one of my creditors has sent a letter saying a county court proceeding is being prepared, and a last 14 days to "avoid" this happening, this is not from creditor, but from ARC europe, who they have instructed to deal with it (they had previously left me alone for 30 days after i told them i was seeking CAB advice).

so im wondering, am i now BR? as it shows as a green banner and "approved" in the BR account online?

and what happens next, i have some money going into my account weds, and will need this to pay some bills (phone, utilities), am i allowed to pay these? or do i need permission, and generally, what do i do now, with regards to that letter and the next stage of the BR?

i have mixed emotions, relief because it was building up to click send online, and now its done im scared of what next, and apprehensive.

many thanks

worriedmamma

hi there

well done for getting it done! I too submitted my application last week. I had approval the following day, yes that green banner and approved status means your bankruptcy order has been made and you are now bankrupt.

in my case the OR was in touch with me the day after approval. You should hear very soon. In the case of dealing with creditors my OR told me to respond with a copy of my bankruptcy order (which you can find online)


as for your bank account. my OR said they had no interest in it and if it would be frozen it's be for a very short period but they would be writing to Barclays to tell them they have no Interest in it.

db2016

hi, thats good to know!

on the advice of my CAB angel! i went to barclays and asked for a basic account and was given one,

i have 2 other accounts, with halifax, 1 is overdraft with debt, and one is as basic as possible but without being a basic account label, as ive had it since i was 16 since leaving school, so no overdraft etc on that, (just a debit card, and is used for benefit payments, and cant even attract any charges really like my other one) but my CAB advisor said maybe halifax will close both, to end their relationship with me, even though one, is totally unable to accrue any debt. I put the barclays one on the BR application, but it asked how long used it, and this is less than 4 months, so this one hopefully will be ok, as it seems to be clear that i set it up for after the BR.

what sort of things does the OR do, or ask ? is it an ongoing process where they ask for incomings and outgoings etc regularly? and some of the things i wrote on the BR application for outgoings etc, do i have to account for them, eg keep receipts? is that something the OR may want to see?

worriedmamma

Hi there

I think they do need to know all account details, even if they're overdrawn or will be closed. Overdrafts will be included in your bankruptcy.

The OR was very kind and non-judgmental. He literally asked me if I could talk, gave me his contact details and some information about bankruptcy... he asked a few questions from my application form to clarify a few things. He asked me what I last earned when I worked before having my last child... I actually posted last night to ask how much contact would the OR have because he ended the call with good luck, etc. I'm sure I'll hear from him again but I believe it's usually much less than we imagine the contact will be.

I believe you only need to give an update income and expenditure form if things change. I'm not sure regarding receipts etc, I guess with normal living expenses no, but I'm just hazarding a guess!

Some of the outgoings wont have proof in my case - things like clothing and footwear for my 3 children, this is all ad-hoc, so I wouldn't worry too much.

db2016

hi, as luck would have it, i noticed this reply from you, and i was in the middle of the OR call!

yes very helpful non-judgemental lady.

said that i could use any cash coming into accounts from benefits, even though on a guide from them it says dont use any before I tell them, so im free to pay a bill coming this week, which is a relief!
and as my income is from benefits they dont need to see as much income and outgoings as they would for a business BR or someone in employment.

they said that halifax will probably close both accounts even though one is basic, and that my new barclays for the BR i set up, may have to be checked, as sometimes they credit check and open an account thats full of features (so they can earn from you), even though you ask for a basic account. in which case they may change me over to a basic one internally, even though i asked for that.

and that if anyone should ring etc, i should just give them BR reference and that should be that, or they will ask the OR for confirmation, then that should be done.

and finally i'd recieve a pack from the OR, and to send back (wonder whats in this?) and i asked if there's any ongoing contact, she just said only if your circumstances change and my earnings leap up or come into money. she also asked about any PPI etc claims, as they can be offset against it and shared out, eg i'd not receive any of the payout, but im not wanting to chase any, im pretty sure i have none.

thanks for help guys! feeling a lot more relaxed, or i will do once i answer calls from creditors and tell them the BR reference, hopefully then my only calls and texts will be from people i wanna hear from!

worriedmamma

Oh I'm so glad you've spoken to them, it really does start to feel better.

I just got my pack through today - funny we are sort of BR buddies (haha)

It's basically a few forms to sign to say I give the OR permission to check through my records - Data protection, and Inland Revenue etc and that I am aware of my obligations as a bankrupt.

I also logged into my online application today and found 2 documents uploaded that the OR has sent out to my creditors. One of them had an error on it and so I emailed the OR's office (from the email on teh letter) and corrected it.

My OR said I was fine to use my bank debit card etc as normal and that my bank may or may not close my account, but as its Barclays and no OD I should be fine.

fatbelly

db2016 wrote: »

but just this minute, one of my creditors has sent a letter saying a county court proceeding is being prepared, and a last 14 days to "avoid" this happening, this is not from creditor, but from ARC europe, who they have instructed to deal with it (they had previously left me alone for 30 days after i told them i was seeking CAB advice).

This is probably just bluff from a debt collector

But if it did happen it would still be best to reply to the claim form, mark it 'defend in full' and give your bankruptcy number.

db2016

yea, my OR, said that it'd be a waste of time anyway, as obviously the BR went through, and would supercede the action they took.

it did seem semi serious, but it did make a point of saying that the costs of action would be added to me etc and to avoid reply in 14 days etc, frightners maybe?

luvchocolate

Hi The Halifax are not B.R tolerant so be prepared in case they close any accounts, your Barclays account should be fine

db2016

so, the last few weeks have been ok, i thought id update.

3 companies who had the debt passed to them phoned, so i emailed over info and they seemed really helpful, and closed the account their end and referred back to the creditor. so no more letters and the calls have dramatically dropped, and no texts all hours.

phone interview with OR, all ok, i was told to expect a pack in post.

the OR sent me a copy of the letter sent to banks i held current accounts with (one overdraft, one from age of 16 so clean, but because with same bank they closed both). i set up a barclays account before BR in prep, and that too was closed and couldnt be re-opened, leaving me with a dash around town for a day, sorting out. it turns out i was credit checked by them and given a normal account when i asked for basic. so had to set up a basic account that day (what a long day that was 2 branches and 6 hours!)

basic all running ok (i think).

today recieved the pack in post with questionaire, it asks for a witness etc and 12 months of accounts. and data protection / permission.

will my "witness" be told more about my situ and have to get dragged into all this and be sent things etc.? and have there own contact from OR / BR?

how far back will they go into my affairs ? it says i should provide 12 months, which i can do, as this was when things got out of hand and couldnt meet repayments, before that, its clear i was really trying to! will they go back further? eg contact bank and want statements for further back??

also property and outgoings? i had help from CAB and it was determined that as income is benefits (disability) only i shouldnt have to make any payments, and indeed the OR in first contact on phone said "all your income is benefits so you can spend as you see fit, we arent interested in them" or similar words. and the only property i have is, clothes, and a PC and a console (both electronics are 4 years old, was high end once, but shouldnt think so now). i moved in with friend and they had spare room set up with bed and furniture already etc so all i moved in really was myself and thats it, obviously there have been purchases made since moved in but nothing extravagant).

thanks, and thanks for the help so far on this thread, its been helpful hearing what the process is and reassuring, so thought id update my situ and ask more questions.

worriedmamma

Hi, thanks for the update, glad its going well for you.

With regard to witnesses, I'm unsure of their involvement. What info does the form require? The pack I had through asked for data protection permission etc but not for 12 months worth of accounts. My witness had to sign some docs but just asked a friend who knew about the BR.

It's my understanding that the OR isn't interested in your home goods, appliances etc. Anything over £500 they ask for details of, but I was assured they wouldn't be interested in my stuff. I think you're fine to have a PC and console, they wont be worth more than £500 second hand and 4 years old. I believe benefits cannot be taken into account for an IPA.