I proberbly will be going bankrupt in the next few weeks and wondering if I have problem with bank could I use a company like cash converters to cash my wage cheque to ensure I have cash for living expenses? Or maybe a prepaid cash card ? I know you can get cards that enable you to have wages paid in but are these also closed when you become bankrupt? I've looked at the FAQ on a couple of these sites but although they say they do not do credit searches they do not mention anything about bankrupts. The CAB are helping me to fill my forms in this week so hopefully I might get some sleep soon. I'm glad I went to them, although I've waited over two weeks for my appointment with a qualified legal advisor I'm assured they've got my best interests at heart and don't feel quite so alone with my troubles

Just a quick update. Sorted out some papers today, some still in their envelopes !! told you I've had my head in the sand, took over two hours. I also received an up to date council tax bill, as I'm now on benefits I only have to pay £14-09 for 09/10 so I went straight up to pay it. I enquired about my over payment of housing benefit relating to December 08 which I'm paying back at £3-00 per week apparently I must still pay this back, which is fine, even if bankrupt. I have to say the lady was brill, told me her brother went bankrupt and said it was the best way forward for him she also said he was a little naughty before bankrupcy taking his credit card to the limit which caused his mother to fret but it went through no problem ! My boss also knows about my bankrutcy, I'm lucky he's a smashing bloke and very supportive. I hope I don't sound bullish and heading for a fall. I just want to convey that I wish I'd done something about my situation earlier. I do still worry that because I delayed doing anything that I may receive a bankrupcy order or undertaking, If I do I'll cross that bridge when I come to it !! I have to say everyone I've confessed to has been great, I'm also an alcoholic so I know I've not been the best person in the world to friends and family but one day at a time I'll get there. Blessing to all xxx

The private renters assc.. put me in touch with city council legal team and were quite helpful. Land lady CAN ask me to leave but as I am not a problem tennant this is unlikely. She could decide not to renew the tenancy but this would also be costly, agents fees, lying empty etc., Also the OR could force a bankrupt out of a tenancy if the property is too expensive but seeing as my little mansion has a monthly rent of £500 this also seems unlikely. I went to CAB on Thursday, I now have an appointment for next Friday for help filling in bankruptcy forms. Lovely friendly guy, in fact a past customer of mine. He says I can take as long as I need even if it takes 3 hours there'll be no rush and if I need to get further info I can just pop it in on the Monday. I really wish I hadn't kept my head in the sand so long. I also contacted my Spanish bank to inform them of my situation. I asked why my property hadn't been repossesed yet? I haven't paid the morgage in over a year, He was really nice and asked me if refinancing would help!!!! I wish I was in the position to refinance. What a differance compared to GMAC and Kensington. Anyway he's sending out the forms so I can return keys. The Spanish have a differant system. They will send out a valuer and I will remain responsible until it is sold or I become bankrupt. I spoke to some Spanish friends this week and they've just bought a lovely three bed apartment fully furnished with fab views for 60000 euros the English couple they bought it off were desperate to get back home and accepted an offer for a little over a third of what they paid for it two years ago. I'm so glad I never got to live in Spain! so many are really suffering over there

We have just been refused a rental as failed credit check due to husbands ccj - even offered to pay a few months up front!!! I know how you feel ! My home was repossesed last year, I approached a letting agency and was totally up front about my circumstances, I was asked to write a letter to the prospective landlord, I explained everything including that should my business fail (which it did) that I had a promise of employment (which I took up) I paid £500 deposit and one months rent in advance a total of £1635 including agents fees. Ok the house is not in a fab area but its big enough for my needs and I have wonderful views and I receive a little bit of housing benefit making it a heck of a lot better than a huge morgage. Do you live in an area that has a private renters association,they've got oodles of information, Or do you have an employer who could give you a reference, try also your local papers or newsagents window for private lets. Landlords lookout for reliable tenants so point out your good points tell them if your conviction free and what a good neighbour you are. Best wishes to you and your family

Thanks for that, I will contact the private renters assc. on Monday see what they have to say. second question, When made bankrupt how long is it before your bank account is usable? I have the co op cash minder account I have wages tax credits and child benefit paid into. I also pay rent, insurance and other D.D. out of this account

Hi , I only discovered this very informative site a few days ago. After talking with Community legal services I have decided to go down the bankruptcy route. I lost my business last year and my home was repossesed, prior to reposession I secured a tenancy through a letting agency. I have always paid the rent in full every month. I have only spoken to the landlady a couple of times on the phone when she had a problem with letting agents. My worry is a clause in the lease and wondering does the OR notify the landlady and should I inform her myself prior to going bankrupt? The clause I'm worried about comes under the section: FORFEITURE CLAUSE d) if the tenant(s) being an individual shall become bankrupt or if the tenant shall enter into any composition with his creditors or suffer any distress of his goods in the property Will I loose this house? My tenancy comes up for renewal in December . Any help would be much appreciated.

Hi, To all, I only found this site two days ago and its given me the courage to finally go down the bankruptcy road. I find myself in a similar situation to yours with the added pleasure of a property abroad which I have not paid the morgage for 18 months, It's not been repossesed and I have to admit I've been guilty of burying my head in the sand ! I lost my business and home last year and only now feel strong enough to look to the future. I was crying my eyes out talking to the community legal advice people and have a stinking headache as I'm writting this but I have also made an appointment to see the doctor this afternoon as I know I'm going to need some support to get through this ! I intend to visit this site often and maybe post my experience as I go. One day at a time we will travel this rocky road. Best of luck