Challenging a Bankruptcy Petition

A bankruptcy petition is a formal legal request presented to the court by a creditor. The petitioning creditor is typically seeking to declare an individual or business bankrupt due to unpaid debts. The bankruptcy process is governed by the Insolvency Rules 2016 and the Insolvency Act 1986.

A business may have grounds to challenge or defend a bankruptcy petition that has been issued against them.

A bankruptcy petition is often initiated after a creditor serves a statutory demand. This is a formal request for payment from a creditor to a debtor. If the debtor fails set aside the statutory demand or pay the petition debt within 21 days, the creditor may file a bankruptcy petition with the court.

Issuing a Bankruptcy Petition

If a party has attempted to recover a debt from an individual without success, they can file a bankruptcy petition against the debtor. If the debt is owed by a company, a winding up petition will be required as opposed to a bankruptcy petition.

To issue a bankruptcy petition against a debtor, the following steps must be completed:

• The bankruptcy petition must include the required information as outlined in rules 10.7, 10.8, and 10.9 of the Insolvency Rules 2016 for a creditor’s petition.
• A search must be conducted to check if any other petitions have been issued against the debtor, and a certificate confirming this must be attached to the petition.
• The petition must be verified by a Statement of Truth.
• It must be filed at the appropriate court, with the correct number of copies, and accompanied by the Official Receiver’s deposit of £990 and the court fee of £280.
• The petition will be stamped with the court seal and assigned a hearing date.
• The court will notify the Land Charges Department and details will be added to the Public Register
• The court will return the issued documents to you for service on the debtor.
• The petition must be served personally on the debtor at least 14 days before the hearing date. 

Grounds for Challenging a Bankruptcy Petition

A business facing a bankruptcy petition may apply to the court to set aside the petition based on various grounds. Some common grounds include:

Dispute over the debt:

If the business disputes the validity or amount of the debt claimed in the statutory demand, it may challenge the bankruptcy petition on the grounds that the debt is not owed or is inaccurately stated.

Incomplete service of the statutory demand:

The business may challenge the petition if the statutory demand was not served properly or if there were irregularities in the service process. The demand must be served correctly to be valid. It can be served personally, left at the debtor’s last known residence or place of business, or sent by post.

Negotiating a settlement:

If the business is in negotiations with the creditor to settle the debt or has reached an agreement to repay the amount owed, it may apply to set aside the petition.

Payment of debt before the hearing:

If the business pays the outstanding debt in full, including any additional costs incurred by the creditor, before the scheduled court hearing, it may have grounds to request the petition be set aside.

Mistakes in the Petition Process

Any procedural errors in the filing or service of the bankruptcy petition may provide grounds for challenging its validity.

Applying to the Court

To challenge a bankruptcy petition, the business must file an application with the court. Seeking legal advice is crucial during this process to ensure the proper documentation is submitted and the grounds for challenging the petition are effectively presented. Your solicitor will also advise you on your prospects of success.

The business typically has a limited time, often within 18 days from the date of service, or 7 days before the hearing, to apply to the court to set aside the bankruptcy petition before the scheduled hearing. Swift action to file with the court is essential to meet legal deadlines.

Avoiding Bankruptcy

Challenging a bankruptcy petition provides an opportunity for the business to explore alternatives to bankruptcy, such as negotiating a settlement or proposing company voluntary agreement. A company voluntary agreement is similar to an Individual Voluntary Agreement, but for businesses. Seeking professional advice during this period can help in devising a strategy that aligns with the business’s financial circumstances.

What happens if you fail in challenging a bankruptcy petition?

If a challenge to a bankruptcy petition is unsuccessful, it means that the court has determined that the grounds presented by the debtor were not sufficient to set aside the petition. In such cases, the legal process will typically proceed, and the court may proceed to make a bankruptcy order. Here’s what may happen:

Bankruptcy Order:

If the challenge is unsuccessful, the court will proceed to issue a bankruptcy order. This formal legal document declares the debtor bankrupt and triggers the commencement of bankruptcy proceedings.

Appointment of a trustee:

Once the bankruptcy order is made, the court will appoint an official receiver or a licensed insolvency practitioner as the trustee. The trustee is responsible for overseeing the bankruptcy estate, which includes the debtor’s assets.

Liquidation of assets:

The trustee will take control of the debtor’s assets and may liquidate them to generate funds for the repayment of creditors. This process involves selling assets such as property, vehicles, and other valuables.

Bankruptcy restrictions on the debtor:

The debtor becomes subject to certain restrictions during the bankruptcy period, which typically lasts for 12 months. These restrictions may include limitations on obtaining credit, running a business, or acting as a company director.

Creditors’ claims:

Creditors will be notified of the bankruptcy, and they can submit their claims to the trustee to seek repayment from the available funds. The claims will be prioritised according to the insolvency hierarchy.

Discharge from bankruptcy:

After the bankruptcy period expires (usually 12 months), the debtor may be discharged from bankruptcy. However, certain restrictions may continue for a longer period, and not all debts may be discharged.

Impact on credit rating:

The bankruptcy will be recorded on the debtor’s credit file, and it will negatively impact their credit rating for a significant period. This can make it challenging to obtain credit or open bank accounts in the future.

Ongoing obligations:

The debtor has ongoing obligations during the bankruptcy period, such as cooperating with the trustee, providing information about their financial affairs, and not attempting to conceal assets.

How can Expert Commercial Law assist?

Our panel of solicitors have many years of experience in dealing with challenging a bankruptcy petition and can assist in all aspects of debt recovery proceedings including mediation, county court proceedings and negotiation.

We understand the complexities and emotional toll that come with challenging a debt. Our panel is highly skilled and have a deep understanding of this area of law, and are dedicated to providing tailored and compassionate support to each of our clients.

Our commitment to excellence and our track record of successful outcomes are testament to our ability to deliver results. You can trust that our panel firms will work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your case, without the financial burden of upfront fees. Choose us for dedicated and experienced representation.

Our panel firms may charge you on a fixed fee or hourly rate basis.

Please note, we are not a firm of solicitors. We act as an introducer and will pass on your case to a solicitor on our panel. Panel firms pay fees which contribute to the running of our website and marketing. We will never charge you for passing on your case.

All of the solicitors on our panel have the experience and expertise required to take on your case. Each solicitor is vetted before being allowed onto our panel and we only select the best in the business. All of our solicitor firms are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

Our solicitors also help with commercial claims, such as partnership disputes, breach of contract and CCJ removal.