This guide walks you through every form you need to file a Debtor's Bankruptcy Application. Follow Steps 1 to 3 below to complete your filing smoothly.
Before you begin, here are a few things to note:
- Fill in the forms. Complete and print all documents at home before your visit.
- Get your documents witnessed by a CFO. Affidavits (Form PIR 10 and Form PIR 12) must be witnessed and signed by a Commissioner for Oaths (CFO). Make an appointment with a CFO.
- Use our Drop and Go service. Arrive at the Supreme Court Service Bureau with all your documents ready. Refer to the checklist in Step 2 to make sure you have everything you need.
Drop and Go lets you submit your completed forms at the Supreme Court Service Bureau quickly and conveniently. Simply hand in your documents and go.
Your documents must be fully prepared and correctly filled in before you arrive. Incomplete or incorrectly prepared documents cannot be accepted, and you may have to return on another day.
Drop and Go is available only at the Supreme Court Service Bureau. The last submission time is 3:30pm.
STEP 1 Complete and print these forms
Each link opens an editable Word (.docx) template. All forms must be typed. The only exception is the Statement of Affairs (Form PIR 11), which may be handwritten.
- Check whether the Debt Repayment Scheme (DRS) applies to you (see the panel below).
- The form has two versions of Paragraph 4: one to use if the DRS applies to you, and one to use if it does not. Delete the version that does not apply and keep only the one that matches your situation.
- Once you've filled it in, this affidavit must be witnessed and signed by a Commissioner for Oaths (CFO). Make an appointment with a CFO.
Does the Debt Repayment Scheme (DRS) apply to you?
You may be eligible for the DRS (an alternative to bankruptcy) if all of the following are true:
- Your total debts are $150,000 or less.
- You are working and earning a regular income.
- You have not been a bankrupt or on the DRS in the last 5 years.
- You have not had a court-based debt arrangement in the last 5 years.
- You are not a sole proprietor or a partner in any firm.
If even one of these is not true, you cannot use the DRS and the Official Assignee will not consider it.
STEP 2 Gather your checklist
Tick each item as you prepare it.
STEP 3 Estimate your fees
Adjust the page counts to match your documents. The transmission fees and total update automatically.
| Document | Pages | Court fee | Transmission | Service Bureau fee | Subtotal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Estimated total | $0.00 | ||||
Paid separately: the Bankruptcy deposit is paid to the Official Assignee and is not a Service Bureau fee.
What happens after you drop off your documents
Here's what to expect once you've handed in your documents at the Service Bureau.
Before accepting your filing, staff confirm that you're a party to the case. Have your identification ready. If they cannot confirm this, your filing cannot be accepted.
The Service Bureau collects your fees and hands you the Service Bureau Bankruptcy Application Form with an acknowledgement slip number.
Once your documents are accepted, you can go. There's no need to wait at the counter while your application is processed.
You'll get an email or SMS to notify you of the outcome of your application.
Return to the Supreme Court Service Bureau to collect a copy of your application documents. You do not need an appointment for this. Simply walk in and take a queue number to collect your reply. If your application is not approved and you would like to try again, you have the option to refile (please note that a $5 re-filing fee applies).