UK experts report a sharp fall in consumer spending, which is a sure fire sign that the economy is continuing its deteriorated slide.  Further signs of the economic slowdown can be seen in the housing market, labour markets, increasing fuel cost, and company downsizing. How are people couping in this economic crisis? Why is personal insolvencies on the rise?

Due to the continuing increasing unemployment rates people are filing for bankruptcy.  KPMG experts predict, "During 2009, dramatic increases for people declaring bankruptcy -- up to 150,000 people ".  Filing for bankruptcy may be the option for you.  Just think -- your home equity has been reduced, you may have been downsized, you're spending more money on fuel, and you can't find a job.  What is a person supposed to do?

What is Bankruptcy?  Bankruptcy in the UK is an option taken when you can't pay your debts.  Some bankruptcies may be discharged after one year.  However this is not an automatic process, and may not free you from all your liabilities.  Secondly, if this is not your first bankruptcy declaration you must apply to the courts to be discharged.

There are three ways one can be made bankrupt:
1. Voluntarily
2. Involuntarily
3. Bound by an IVA (Individual Voluntary Arrangement)

If you have a bankruptcy order, cooperate fully.  Refuse to acknowledge a bankruptcy proceeding will not make it go away.  Here are some of the implications associated with bankruptcy:

• lost of control over your assets
• limits on obtain credit
• limits on company activities -- LTD, Company Director, Trading in any business without notification of your bankruptcy
• you can not practice as a charted accountant/lawyer
• you can't act as a JP (Justice of the peace)
• you can't become a member of parliament ...