Almost submitted BR application......

JayAce777

And then I discovered this amazing wealth of knowledge and people here on MSE, so maybe it’s best I hold fire and get some advice.


I have 20 creditors and a debt of almost £58,000. The single largest being HRMC at £18,000 and then a loan from in-law’s at £8600 and then various CC’s, catalogues etc and a Zopa personal loan.

I’m living with my girlfriend in her rented house and with her 2 children, I support them now I am finally back in work (long on/off illness issues) but she also receives £400 child maintenance. Is there a good current guide on calculating household expenses as the maintenance payer is adamant he won’t accept his payments are to be allocated to bills which I’m responsible for and the money is for the girls’ clothing, sports, activities etc? We are very much in the process of starting fresh so bills, costs, expenses etc are somewhat of an unknown quantity. I’m earning £16/hr (self-employed CIS) but I’m also a part-time university BSc student so it’s kinda hard to work out how much I’ll be earning, as no doubt some weeks will be better than others as I take time for studying. We also still receive UC but again this will be very variable, it just seems like a minefield and I’m worried that I’ll be slapped with an IPA that means we can’t get a good fresh start on a new path to freedom. 

I believe I will end up being given a BRO as no lie, I took out credit when it wasn’t looking certain it would be repaid but that’s my silly mistake and I will live with the consequences of that. I don’t want credit in the future and will only work PAYE/CIS so can never get in a muddle with tax again, I just need the weight lifted from my shoulders so we can get a good start.

Wow, feels good just to say it out loud for the first time! 

Mart7379

I’m in a similar position, my debt isn’t as big as yours but my BR application online is complete, similar debt too, cc’s, catalogues, personal loans. Majority of my wages go on essentials, whilst the wife’s income goes on childcare, so bills aren’t split, however the bankruptcy application requests household income. I was tempted to exclude her income from the application however that would be seen as me trying to hide something. I am not. I just pay all the household bills. 

The guys on here are fantastic and I am sure someone will advise you the best they can. 

Good luck. 

Sonic101

I’m living with my girlfriend in her rented house and with her 2 children, I support them now I am finally back in work (long on/off illness issues) but she also receives £400 child maintenance. Is there a good current guide on calculating household expenses as the maintenance payer is adamant he won’t accept his payments are to be allocated to bills which I’m responsible for and the money is for the girls’ clothing, sports, activities etc? We are very much in the process of starting fresh so bills, costs, expenses etc are somewhat of an unknown quantity. I’m earning £16/hr (self-employed CIS) but I’m also a part-time university BSc student so it’s kinda hard to work out how much I’ll be earning, as no doubt some weeks will be better than others as I take time for studying. We also still receive UC but again this will be very variable, it just seems like a minefield and I’m worried that I’ll be slapped with an IPA that means we can’t get a good fresh start on a new path to freedom. 

I don't know much about this (am a newbie looking at the bankruptcy process while I save for the fee), but in answer to the question about the £400 child maintenance, I think the way to go would be to allocate it across the things you suggest - e.g,, clothing (and school uniforms if there is a category), after school clubs, pocket money, etc., and also a proportion to groceries, as this would obviously include food for the girls. 
If you post a copy of your statement of affairs (there is a link to one you can use here but I can't find it, but someone else should be able to help with that) - there are some really good people here who will be able to give you some helpful feedback.

JayAce777

Thanks for the input.... Will post an SoA later today, the BR application one is saying IPA is likely but I do need to juggle the figures a bit as I just know there’s stuff I’m forgetting!

Wannabedebtfree21

You'll find the SoA at Stoozing.com