How Do I File for Personal Bankruptcy in Canada?

In Canada, bankruptcy must be filed through a Licensed Insolvency Trustee, who is responsible for administering the bankruptcy estate. 

Before filing for bankruptcy, you must meet with a Licensed Insolvency Trustee who will assess your situation to ensure you qualify to file for bankruptcy.  You qualify to file bankruptcy provided that you owe at least $1,000 and cannot meet your debt obligations as they generally fall due.  The Licensed Insolvency Trustee will also explore whether you qualify for other options, such as a consumer proposal or debt management plan.

If you decide that bankruptcy is the right option for you, the Licensed Insolvency Trustee will collect financial information from you and prepare legal bankruptcy papers, which you must sign.

Once the legal paperwork has been signed, the Licensed Insolvency Trustee will file the papers with the Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy.  Your bankruptcy process begins when the paperwork is filed.