How to File Bankruptcy in Saskatchewan: A Comprehensive Guide
Understanding Bankruptcy
Bankruptcy can be a challenging but necessary step for individuals unable to meet their financial obligations. It offers a way to clear overwhelming debt and start fresh. This guide outlines the process of filing for bankruptcy in Saskatchewan, helping you understand each step and its benefits.
Steps to Filing Bankruptcy in Saskatchewan
1. Understand Your Debt Situation
Recognize the signs of financial distress, such as missed payments, maxed-out credit cards, or receiving calls from collection agencies. Acknowledge that these issues might require professional help.
2. Select a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (LIT)
Only Licensed Insolvency Trustees can administer bankruptcies and consumer proposals in Canada. Choose a local LIT in Saskatchewan who can guide you through the process and discuss all your options, including alternatives to bankruptcy.
3. Meet with Your Trustee
Schedule a consultation with your chosen trustee. Bring detailed information about your financial situation, including income, expenses, assets, and debts. Your trustee will review your details and explain the available debt relief options.
4. Filing for Bankruptcy
If you decide to proceed with bankruptcy, your trustee will help you complete the necessary paperwork. You’ll need to provide personal information, a list of creditors, and a list of assets. Once the paperwork is signed, your bankruptcy officially begins.
5. What Happens Once You File
Immediately upon filing, an “automatic stay” is put in place, stopping most creditors from pursuing collection actions against you. Your trustee will notify your creditors and handle communications on your behalf. You’ll need to attend credit counselling sessions and provide monthly income statements.
6. Obligations During Bankruptcy
You may need to surrender certain assets and your credit cards. Additionally, you’ll have to attend mandatory credit counselling sessions and provide regular financial updates to your trustee.
7. Life After Bankruptcy
After discharge, most of your debts will be eliminated, and you can begin rebuilding your credit. A bankruptcy note will remain on your credit report for at least six years, but you can improve your financial standing with the right steps.
Benefits of Filing for Bankruptcy
- Elimination of Most Unsecured Debts: Bankruptcy can wipe out unsecured debts like credit card balances, excluding certain debts like student loans and child support.
- Halting of Interest and Collections: Interest accumulation stops, and creditors can no longer pursue you for payments.
- Protection from Legal Action: Wage garnishments and legal actions cease, providing peace of mind.
- Fresh Financial Start: Bankruptcy offers a chance to rebuild your finances and improve your credit over time.
Get Saskatchewan Bankruptcy Help Today
Before filing for personal bankruptcy in Saskatchewan, we recommend that you consult with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee in Saskatchewan (an expert on Saskatchewan bankruptcy law) to review your options. If you have sufficient income to repay at least some of your debts, a consumer proposal may be an option. For some people this is a good alternative to personal bankruptcy.
To find out what is right for you: a consumer proposal or bankruptcy, please contact one of the following Licensed Insolvency Trustees in Saskatchewan. You can send them an e-mail with your questions, or contact them by phone. They will arrange a free initial consultation to review your options and work out a plan that’s best for you.
If you would rather not wait and want to call directly, follow these easy instructions to get help:
| 1. Look at the list below, or use the search box to find the city, or location, nearest you 2. Call the phone number to book a free, confidential, no-obligation consultation 3. You’ll be put in touch with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee who will explain all options to help you 4. Your meeting will initially take place on the phone or online |
| City | Telephone/Number | Trustee |
|---|---|---|
| Estevan | 1-306-403-4743 | Bromwich+Smith Inc. |
| Humboldt | 1-306-403-4743 | Bromwich+Smith Inc. |
| Lloydminster | 1-306-403-4743 | Bromwich+Smith Inc. |
| Melfort | 1-306-403-4743 | Bromwich+Smith Inc. |
| Melville | 1-888-870-1425 | Cameron-Okolita Inc. |
| Moose Jaw | 1-888-870-3202 | Cameron-Okolita Inc. |
| Prince Albert | 1-306-403-4743 | Bromwich+Smith Inc. |
| Regina | 1-306-403-4743 | Cameron-Okolita Inc. |
| Saskatoon | 1-888-870-1427 | Bromwich+Smith Inc. |
| Swift Current | 1-888-870-1404 | Cameron-Okolita Inc. |
| Weyburn | 1-888-870-1404 | Cameron-Okolita Inc. |
| Yorkton | 1-888-870-1425 | Cameron-Okolita Inc. |
Bankruptcy Canada also offers a blog with a rich variety of expert answers to anonymous bankruptcy questions from others in financial difficulty. You are welcome to post your own bankruptcy questions to our Personal Bankruptcy Canada Blog. We check for new questions every day.
For your own Saskatchewan bankruptcy issues, choose one of the links above to ask a question by email, for a confidential reply from a Licensed Insolvency Trustee in Saskatchewan.