I am curious as to whether Northern Rock voted for outright rejection of the proposal or had modifications that your client was unable to commit to agreeing to?
Northern Rock are themselves in quite a bit of trouble and I still find it difficult to comprehend that they are so seemingly willing to have in most instances, nothing at all as opposed to a return in an IVA.
Does your client own a property? Maybe Northern Rock hope to recover something from the property in bankruptcy?
I think I would assume that since you are accompanying your client to the Court on 28 January, they are petitioning for their own bankruptcies? In doing so they have been given that advice as the best course of action to take?
If they do not own a property, then it may well be the right thing to do and really, at the end of the day, Northern Rock have not just ruined it for themselves, they have scuppered any chance of a return for the other creditors too. It's a shame they take such a view, in my opinion.
As far as your clients are concerned, if they are not a property owner, it's almost going to be a fresh start for them. Though without knowing more precise details about their circumstances, that is not a certainty. It may well be that the Official Receiver has criteria that are met and could propose a Fast Track Voluntary Arrangement, more details of which can be found here:-
http://www.insolvency.gov.uk/guidancele ... a/ftva.htm
Tell it like it is.
Tell it like it is.