The certificate of sequestration was introduced in November 2010 as a simpler route to enter Sequestration. You can apply for sequestration if your debt problems have become unmanageable. 

    Before taking any action to resolve your debts please call a registered, free debt advice charity:

    StepChange: 0800 138 1111
    Debt Advice Foundation: 0800 043 40 50
    Citizens Advice Bureau: 0808 223 1133
    National Debtline: 0808 808 4000

    Scottish Certificate of Sequestration

    One difference between traditional sequestration and the certificate of sequestration is you no longer need to prove your apparent insolvency. The Minimal Asset Process (MAP) route may be applicable if you have a low income and low levels of assets. Your unsecured debt should be between £1,500 and £17,000 (£25,000 until March 2021) to be suitable for a MAP.

    The qualifying criteria for the certificate of sequestration includes;

    • You must live in Scotland (or have lived in Scotland within the last year)
    • You must not have been bankrupt in the last five years
    • Owe at least £3,000 in unsecured debt
    • You must pay a fee of £200 to submit your debtor application form. You would submit your certificate of sequestration at the same time
    • To receive the certificate you must use an insolvency practitioner (IP) or someone who works for the IP and has been given authority to act on his behalf. You can also visit your local CAB or an approved money advisor who can complete the Certificate of Sequestration on your behalf
    • Only the person in debt can be granted the certificate – creditors cannot apply for this
    • On the day the certificate is granted the person in debt then has 30 days to apply for their bankruptcy. All applications made after the 30 days will be rejected and they will lose their £200 fee. The process would then need to start over and a further £200 would be charged
    • The debtor will be required to provide evidence with their application to help the AIB so that identity can be confirmed and that they qualify for the bankruptcy. Acceptable evidence will be payslips, bank statements, proof of benefits and passport / driving licence (if applicable)
    • Also required would be tenancy agreements and HP agreements if they have any

     

    Certificate of Sequestration

    Certificate of Sequestration FAQs

    How Do I Apply For A Certificate Of Sequestration?

    Money advisers working for an agency that has been accredited at type II of the National Standards for information and advice providers, such as:

    • Approved Money Advisers for DAS
    • CAB Money Advisers
    • Local authority Money Advisers
    • Insolvency practitioner

    Can assist you with your certificate of sequestration. Your debtor application form and certificate of sequestration should then be submitted to the Accountant in Bankruptcy.

    How Much Debt Must I Owe To Meet The Criteria For The Certificate of Sequestration?

    You must owe £3,000, be living in Scotland (or have lived in Scotland in the last year) and you must not have been made bankrupt in the last five years. There is also a fee of £200 which you must pay.

    If you qualify for a MAP sequestration your unsecured debt must be between £1,500 and £17,000.

    How Long Is The Certificate Valid For?

    From the date of signature on the certificate, you have 30 days (the date of signature is counted as the first day) in which to apply for your Bankruptcy. Applications made after the 30 day period will be rejected and you would lose your £200 fee.

    Will The Advisor Charge For Their Time?

    No, an advisor cannot charge for their time.

    Do I Pay For The Certificate of Sequestration?

    You do not have to pay for the Certificate of Sequestration but there is a charge when you submit your debtor application form of £200.