For those living in and around Bedford there is only one place to go to make yourself bankrupt and that is the Bedford County Court. The court is situated in a magnificent building at 3 St Pauls Square in the heart of Bedford abounding the river.
I have been with a client recently and the process is quite straight forward. Firstly call the court and check when they next have an available slot. You need to call 0844 892 0550. There can be quite a considerable wait to get through. You will probably be given an appointment for your bankruptcy hearing in less than a week.
You enter the court through the main doors on the square. Proceed to the court office. Here the counter clerk will check that your petition and statement of affairs are completed correctly. He will also take your fee or either 600 or 450. If you are entitled to a remitted fee, make sure that you have your up to date letter of entitlement and your completed EX160 or you will be required to pay the full fee.
When you have been checked you actually need to leave the building and go around to the riverside entrance. It is here that your hearing will take place. Like many other courts, Bedford like to try to get their bankruptcy hearings completed before the district judge starts his morning appointments.
After the hearing has taken place, you need again to go back to the county court desk where you first went to collect your order.
We were lucky each time we went as the whole process went without a hitch and the matter was all completed by 10.30.
Remember that banruptcy is not for everybody and whilst it is now a very popular solution for many with serious debt issues, it does pay to know what other solutions may be available. 140,000 people this year will go bankrupt and many will use the services of a bankruptcy expert. If you consider that bankruptcy is right for you as opposed for instance to debt management and and IVA, you will need to save hard becuae your main stumbling block are liable to be fees. When you think you are ready call me and see how I can help you.
If you are unsure about this process please contact on 0808 160 5577 and I will be happy to help.