Welcome to the forum sezzie.

I'd imagine the time varies a little. If you've properly completed the application form, meet the criteria and have the application fee available we're probably talking about several days rather than several weeks though.

Hi Sezzie,

Providing everything had been completed and submitted correctly then you should hear back in writing within 7 to 14 days from the AIB.

If there is something missing from your application or if they have a question the AIB will normally give you a courtesy call.

When did you submit your application?

If it was sent through the Xmas period, I would guess there may be a short delay, however in my experience it's normally around a week or so.

You could call the AIB and check the progress. I'm sure they'd be able to update you.

Mark

I'm sending the application today first class and paying by cheque. So fingers crossed they could start processing it this week. My husbands Trust Deed has just become protected and I just had to save the money for my LILA (am a stay at home mum). Am just getting anxious as the wolves are scratching at the door now. Do I have to tell my creditors that I am filing for a LILA or do I just hope it is processed as quickly as possible?

It's really up to you sezzie whether you tell your creditors now.

Best just to weigh up whether it's more likely to help you or make things more difficult in the short-term.

I hope everything progresses quickly for you.

Hi sezzie,

Did your husband's Trustee not offer to assist you with the LILA application? Normally if we are dealing with one person as our client we will assist the other with a LILA application.

I wouldn't worry too much about the wolves at the door or informing them about your LILA application to be declared bankrupt.

The worst thing that can happen to you is to be declared bankrupt and as you are already doing that yourself then there is nothing that you need to be worried about. Creditors will threaten legal action for years before actually taking it and nowadays it's unusual for creditors to actually take formal legal action.

It can unfortunately take a little bit of time for the phone calls and letters from the creditors to stop so these may continue for another month or so. Once you are declared bankrupt you can tell the creditors that and also provide them with a reference number which you will receive that relates to your case. The Trustee that deals with the bankruptcy will send out a letter to all of your creditors confirming you have been declared bankrupt.

If you can, send the application recorded delivery. The last thing you want is for the application with all of your information and cheque to go missing in the post.

I feel much better now, thank you. They did run through the form with me at the time, but have only just managed to save the money to submit the application. Will definitely send it recorded delivery.

That's good to hear sezzie as it can be quite a daunting prospect if you've never had to do something like this before.

Let us know when it's been awarded and processed.

I'd like to think you will hear back from the AIB by the middle of next week. If not, give them a call.

You can also check the Register of Insolvencies which will be updated first with your information before you receive something in writing. This is a register that holds information on everyone that has signed a Trust Deed or been declared bankrupt.

I have checked the register and am on there now. Do I get in touch with my creditors to tell them that I am now LILA'd or does the Accountant in Bankruptcy do that?

Hi sezzie.

Your creditors will be contacted as part of your bankruptcy.

It's entirely up to you if you want to communicate this to them (or some of them) yourself.

I'm glad it's all gone through as you hoped.

Hi sezzie

Trying to get creditors to update or even listen can be extremely frustrating in call centre world. Best advice is to leave it to the Trustee to deal with.

Mark

Daft question and I probably should know, but what will happen to the joint current account I have with my husband as this is obviously where his salary goes and how we pay bills. Will the Accountant in Bankruptcy close it?

Hi sezzie

More than likely the bank will close it, normally by checking the register of insolvencies as most banks will cross check against accounts.

Mark