Debtors are now able to apply to be made bankrupt online, by making an application directly to the Insolvency Service. After completion on the online application and payment of the £655 fee (which can be paid by instalments), a debtor’s application will be reviewed by an adjudicator at the Insolvency Service, who will then determine whether a bankruptcy order should be made.

This service was launched on 6^th April 2016. Previously, a debtor wishing to be declared bankrupt would have to present their petition at the County Court and appear before a judge, who would then determine whether a bankruptcy order should be made.

The new online process is considered to be less intimidating for debtors. Creditors and practitioners will be keenly monitoring the impact of the new service to see if it leads to an increased number of debtors applying for their own bankruptcy.