Bankruptcy

If bankruptcy is necessary,
I’m here to help.

 

An Assignment in Bankruptcy provides debt relief to individuals, corporations and partnerships that have accumulated overwhelming debt, by halting the legal actions of unsecured creditors. Filing for bankruptcy can protect you from creditors’ collection actions, similar to the Consumer Proposal Process. Instead of a mutually agreed payment arrangement, conditions are set in accordance with the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act.

No one should experience the weight of debt on their shoulders. I help people get through debt and to experience freedom again, that’s my sole cause.

Step 1

Contact me to make an appointment.

 

You can only file for bankruptcy by working with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee. At Borsellino Consulting, you meet directly with me, Steve Borsellino, LIT. The first step to having your debt solved.

Step 2

I explain the bankruptcy process and answer any questions.

 

Bankruptcy can be a complex process, and individual situations require professional guidance. Let me explain your options to achieve the best outcome for your specific circumstances.

Step 3

We start the bankruptcy process.

 

Your debt solved. Once you have filed for bankruptcy you can begin to move forward with your life, knowing that you are now protected from any legal actions from your unsecured creditors. You know where you stand and can plan for a future without debt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements during bankruptcy?

Requirements During Bankruptcy Include:

  • Making monthly payments based on your family size and your actual monthly income until you are released (discharged) from bankruptcy.
  • Providing monthly income statements and proof of income to the Trustee.
  • Submitting all credit cards to Trustee, (including those with a zero balance).
  • Surrendering certain assets to the Trustee. Although there are many exceptions, such as:
    • Furniture and clothing.
    • Vehicles which are financed, leased, or worth less than $5,650.
    • Most pension plans and RRSP’s.
    • Houses that do not have equity, (*But please note that in a bankruptcy, assets legally vest in a Licensed Insolvency Trustee and all of the Trustee’s decisions are subject to review by creditors and the Court. Also remember that until discharge “after acquired assets” may be seized – this can include home equity, if the value of a house rises significantly)
    • Attending credit counselling.

How long will I be bankrupt in Canada?

Several factors affect the length of you being bankrupt in Canada. Your bankruptcy ends when you receive a discharge, the event that actually cancels your debts.

If it is the first time that an individual has been bankrupt, then they may be eligible for discharge after as little as nine months.

Here are situations that could prolong your bankruptcy:

Do you have “surplus income”?
If your income is higher than the “Standard” set by the government, then your eligibility for an automatic discharge will be delayed by 12 months.

Have you had a previous bankruptcy?
If you have been bankrupt before, your eligibility for an automatic discharge will be extended to at least 24 months. If you have been bankrupt more than once before, then your discharge terms will be set by a Judge or Registrar in bankruptcy court.

Have you completed all your duties as a bankrupt person?
If you have failed to complete one or more of your duties in bankruptcy, then your discharge will be delayed. The delay will depend on the seriousness of the failure and how soon you complete the missing duties.

Is your discharge opposed?
The discharge is usually granted if you are earning only enough income to keep yourself and your dependants reasonably provided for, and if you have received credit counselling.

Occasionally, creditors, the trustee, or the Superintendent of Bankruptcy oppose a bankrupt’s discharge. When this happens, the matter goes to mediation or is heard before a Registrar or a Judge.

Does filing for bankruptcy in Canada affect my spouse?

Filing for bankruptcy in Canada does not directly affect your spouse. Your debts are your debts; only you are responsible for them. If you go bankrupt, your debts are discharged. Your husband or wife or common-law spouse is NOT responsible for your debts.

Many people believe that because you are married, your spouse is automatically responsible for your debts. This is not true. Often collection agents, when they are trying to collect from you, tell you that if you don’t pay they will get the money from your spouse. This is a collection agency scare tactic; they can only go after you for your debts.

The only exception is if your spouse has co-signed or guaranteed your debt. For example, if you took out a loan and your spouse co-signed for it, it is also legally their loan. If you both have a credit card on the same account, the credit card debt legally belongs to both of you.

Remember, your spouse is liable for the debt, not because they are your spouse, but because they have signed for the debt.

What happens to my debts when I go bankrupt in Canada?

It depends on the type of debt, and in some cases on your payment status. There are actually some debts that stay, even in bankruptcy.

The concept behind a personal bankruptcy in Canada is relatively simple. When you file for bankruptcy, you surrender your assets in return for the discharge of your debts. Just as there are some bankruptcy exemptions from losing all your assets, there are some exceptions to the discharge of all your debts. Both are affected when debts are secured by assets, as in a mortgage.

In principle, bankruptcy discharges only unsecured debts, because the creditor in a secured debt has a special right to the security, which is your asset. If your mortgaged asset is worth more than the amount outstanding on the mortgage, the excess (your equity) must be surrendered.

Unsecured debts

In general, bankruptcy will discharge all your unsecured debts, but the law makes exceptions for these debts that stay:

  • Student loans less than 10 years old.
  • Child and spousal support.
  • Fines and most court ordered restitution payments.
  • Court awarded damages for sexual assault or intentionally inflicting bodily harm
  • Debts that arose as a result of fraud or theft.

Certain government overpayments. Overpayments are a complicated area, so if you have received overpayments from the government, you should discuss this with your Canada Licensed Insolvency Trustee.

In a bankruptcy, here are some examples of debts that go away:

  • Credit card balances
  • Lines of credit (if unsecured)
  • Personal loans (if unsecured)
  • Arrears of income taxes and municipal house taxes
  • Unpaid utility bills
  • Retail store accounts
  • Insurance premiums past due
  • Medical bills
  • Payday loans
  • Secured debts

Other debts that stay may possibly be your house mortgage, or other secured debts.

Connect With Me

Call or use the form below to get in touch with me.
 



Toll Free:

1.833.376.5833



Hamilton:

905.481.2628

144 James St. S., Unit 2B
(Head office)



Burlington:

905.592.4678

Burloak at the QEW



Niagara:

905.228.2579

6057 Drummond Rd. (at Barker St.)



Guelph:

519.341.6044

42 Carden St.

Mississauga:

416-874-0585

77 City Centre Dr. East Tower

Take the first step

Use the form or call 1.833.376.5833 to book an appointment. There is no fee for a consultation

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Our Offices

 

Hamilton Office

144 James St. South, Unit 2B,
Hamilton,
L8P 3A2

Niagara Falls Office

6057 Drummond Rd.,
Niagara Falls,
L2G 4M1

Mississauga Office

416-874-0585
501-77 City Centre Dr., East Tower

Burlington Office

1100 Burloak Dr., Suite 300,
Burlington,
L7L 6B2