Hi
Welcome to the forum , its a friendly place .
I have been thru BR to-day, im not an expert - others here are !
When I was chatting to the judge - and I mean chatting - it was very informal , he asked if I had looked at other options . He doesn't have to make you BR he can ask for an IVA to be looked at .
Have a look at
http://www.insolvency.gov.uk/guidancele ... tion.htm#6
it says
At the hearing the court can do one of 4 things:
Stay (delay) the proceedings - often because the court needs further information before it can decide whether to make a bankruptcy order.
Dismiss the petition - perhaps because an administration order would be more appropriate.
Appoint an insolvency practitioner - if the court thinks an individual voluntary
arrangement would be appropriate. This will only be possible if your assets are more than £4,000; your unsecured debts are less than £40,000; and you have not been bankrupt and have not made an individual voluntary arrangement in the previous 5 years. If you do not wish to enter into such an arrangement, you should inform the court.
Make a bankruptcy order - The effect of the bankruptcy order, and the restrictions it places on you, are explained in The Insolvency Service booklet 'Guide to Bankruptcy'. You will become bankrupt the moment the order is made by the court.
In my case the BR was the right thing to do.
I would guess that if your creditors do take to to court for BR that the judge will want to consider the options.
Good luck
Mish