How Long Does Bankruptcy Last?

How Long Will You Be Bankrupt?

In most circumstances a first time bankrupt will be eligible for discharge after nine months. How long your bankruptcy will last can be extended if you have been bankrupt before or you are required to pay surplus income.

The length of bankruptcy in Ontario is as follows:

• • A first time bankrupt with no surplus will be bankrupt for 9 months (unless opposed)
  • A first time bankrupt with surplus will be bankrupt for 21 months (unless opposed)
  • A second time bankrupt with no surplus will get an automatic bankruptcy discharge after 24 months (unless opposed)
  • A second time bankrupt with surplus will get an automatic discharge after 36 months (unless opposed)
  • If this is your third bankruptcy, you are not eligible for an automatic discharge. Your bankruptcy trustee will need to apply to the bankruptcy court for an application for discharge hearing.

The above timelines are based on your discharge not being opposed by your creditors, the trustee or the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy.  This is rare but can happen.

How Does Surplus Income Affect Length of Personal Bankruptcy?

Surplus income is one potential cost of bankruptcy. The federal government has set net monthly income thresholds for a person to maintain a reasonable standard of living. This threshold is then used to determine how much you must pay if you file for bankruptcy.

For example, (using 2018 guidelines) if you have a family size of 3 people, your net income threshold would be $3,293. If you have a net income of more than $200 over the government allowed income threshold, the length of your bankruptcy will be extended for a further 12 months. You’ll also be required to continue to pay that surplus income into your bankruptcy estate for your creditors.

A longer bankruptcy means extra payments, which increases the cost of bankruptcy. You can use our free Surplus Income Calculator to help you determine what your potential surplus income payments might be.

What Other Factors Impact Bankruptcy Length?

Bankruptcy Duties

The length of time before a bankruptcy discharge also depends on whether you have completed your duties under bankruptcy law. Some of the most important duties include:

• Disclose all property (assets) in your possession and delivering non-exempt assets to the Licensed Insolvency Trustee
• Surrender all credit cards to the Trustee for cancellation
• Report your household income and monthly expenses to your Trustee
• Make all of your required payments, which include surplus income
• Attend two mandatory credit counselling sessions

You can find a complete list of duties here. Failure to complete them will increase how long you will be bankrupt. If you have any problems in completing your duties, you should speak to your Trustee for advice as soon as possible.

Discharge Opposition

While this is rare, if one of your creditors opposes your bankruptcy discharge, a court hearing will be held. It will then be up to the court to decide whether you will be discharged. If you face this process, it would extend the length of your bankruptcy.

But, as mentioned earlier, if it’s your third bankruptcy, you’re required to go to court to be discharged.

Consider Bankruptcy Alternatives

Talk to us if you think you might have to pay surplus income and additional bankruptcy payments over a longer period of time. An option may be to avoid bankruptcy by filing a consumer proposal, which for many people is the best solution.

Since this is a complicated area of bankruptcy law, please contact our bankruptcy trustee offices to schedule a free initial consultation. We will review your income, and explain how surplus income will be calculated in your situation, which will allow you to estimate the cost and length of your bankruptcy.

At Hoyes, Michalos and Associates we are proud to be a team of understanding professionals who are experts in bankruptcy, consumer proposals and all Ontario debt management options. Contact us today to book a free consultation with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee.

Similar Posts:

1. Do I have to go to court if I file for bankruptcy?
2. Should I File a Second Bankruptcy or a Consumer Proposal?
3. Opposing A Discharge From All Points of View: National Insolvency Review
4. Creditor Opposition to Bankruptcy Discharge – Delaying Your Fresh Start
5. Why Surplus Income Is an Important Part Of Your Debt Recovery