I recently tried to claim bankruptcy in BC. I thought it was the first time but after searching the trustee discovered I was an undischarged bankrupt from Alberta (20 years ago). I thought it was just credit counselling I went to but I guess not(I know it sounds stupid but I was not too smart 20 years ago). The papers said I didn't make my $25 a month payments or submit my tax information. I would have paid the $25 if I had known about it but I moved around a lot back then so I am sure the papers didn't find me.

I need to claim bankruptcy because of a very agressive creditor. I have 5 kids and am barely making ends meet. The trustee (in BC) said I should hire a lawyer in Alberta to pursue a discharge on my old bankruptcy but I can't afford it.

The one creditor is going to garnishee my pay again (30%) but if he does this I will not be able to pay rent.

What do I do? Can I write a letter to someone else to have the old bankruptcy discharged? I am getting desperate. If I die can the creditor take my term life benefits from my wife?

You can try contacting the Trustee in Alberta who handled your original bankruptcy, if they are still in the business. The Office of the Superintendent of Bankruptcy in B.C. can advise you who your previous Trustee was and how to deal with this. You'll find their number in the Blue Pages of the telephone book, under Government of Canada; Industry Canada.

Ann Clarke
phone: (403) 296-2972
aclarke@moneyhelp.ca