Personal bankruptcy laws in Canada are governed by the Bankruptcy & Insolvency Act. Failure to complete your duties will delay your bankruptcy discharge so it is important you fully understand your requirements once you declare bankruptcy.
To start
As soon as your bankruptcy begins, you must complete the following:
Disclose all property (assets) in your possession and deliver non-exempt assets to the trustee.
Hand over all credit cards to the trustee for cancellation.
Creditors meeting
Attend any required meeting of creditors or examinations by the Official Receiver. At this meeting, your creditors will have the opportunity to ask questions about your bankruptcy. A meeting of creditors is held if requested by the Superintendent of Bankruptcy or by creditors with an aggregate of at least 25% of the proven claims. These meetings are usually held at the office of the trustee.
Income tax/other documentation
Provide any documents requested by the trustee including all forms, tax returns, insurance policies etc. When you file for bankruptcy, the day you file is treated like the end of your tax year so that in the year you file bankruptcy the trustee will file two different tax returns. Any income tax debt will be included in your bankruptcy up to the date of bankruptcy. Any refund to which you are entitled will be an asset that will come to your trustee for your creditors.
Monthly reporting
Report your household income and expenses each month to the trustee, along with copies of your pay stubs.
Make all required payments, including surplus income. The trustee will determine if your net income was higher than the limit allowed by law for you to live. If you have any “surplus income”, you will be required to make a payment each month to the trustee. These funds are held in trust for the benefit of your creditors.
Credit counselling
Attend two mandatory credit counselling sessions. This credit counselling is designed to teach you budgeting and good money management skills so that you are less likely to have financial problems in the future.
Other duties
You must keep the trustee informed as to your whereabouts (i.e. change of address/phone number).
You cannot apply for credit of more than $1,000.00 without disclosing that you are an undischarged bankrupt. This means that while you are bankrupt you will not have access to credit.
Timely completion
It is essential you complete these duties in a timely manner, so that your bankruptcy can be completed as soon as possible. If the duties are not completed, your discharge date will be postponed. The earlier you obtain your discharge, the earlier you will be able to rebuild your credit and live life normally again.
If you are concerned about your financial situation and aren’t sure which route to take, contact our office today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
