Bankruptcy

Understanding Bankruptcy in Queensland

What is the Bankruptcy Process in Queensland?

Bankrupt your debtor with a creditor's petition

Call our Brisbane Team on 07 3009 8444

Call our Sydney Team on 02 9307 8900

Enquire about Bankruptcy

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Brendan Mutsaers
07:31 27 Aug 25
Great communication in a emotional stressful time of my life. Lawyers knew their content and provided timely advice. While it wasn't cheap it provided value and allowed me to move on to the next stage of my life. They are down to business - I never physically set eyes on my lawyer but still felt supported. Recommended to anyone who needs legal support.
Response from the owner 11:01 29 Aug 25
Hi Brendan - thank you so much for sharing your experience with our team. We're happy to have helped you through this time and provide you legal services and support.
Brendan Mutsaers
07:31 27 Aug 25
Great communication in a emotional stressful time of my life. Lawyers knew their content and provided timely advice. While it wasn't cheap it provided value and allowed me to move on to the next stage of my life. They are down to business - I never physically set eyes on my lawyer but still felt supported. Recommended to anyone who needs legal support.
Response from the owner 11:01 29 Aug 25
Hi Brendan - thank you so much for sharing your experience with our team. We're happy to have helped you through this time and provide you legal services and support.
Claire Jenkins
22:04 08 May 25
Alana Pointon provided excellent family law advice to help me achieve a timely and pragmatic outcome. She was also easy to reach when I had questions and achieved the perfect balance between professionalism and genuine empathy in our interactions. I have no hesitation in recommending Alana to anyone in need of family law assistance. My deepest thanks to you and your team Alana.
Response from the owner 00:10 16 May 25
Thank you, Claire, for your kind words. We're thrilled to hear that Alana's expertise and empathy made a positive impact on your experience. Your recommendation means a lot to our team.
Claire Jenkins
22:04 08 May 25
Alana Pointon provided excellent family law advice to help me achieve a timely and pragmatic outcome. She was also easy to reach when I had questions and achieved the perfect balance between professionalism and genuine empathy in our interactions. I have no hesitation in recommending Alana to anyone in need of family law assistance. My deepest thanks to you and your team Alana.
Response from the owner 00:10 16 May 25
Thank you, Claire, for your kind words. We're thrilled to hear that Alana's expertise and empathy made a positive impact on your experience. Your recommendation means a lot to our team.
Rowena Gill
02:49 08 May 25
I recently engaged the services of Alana Pointon to assist with a property settlement and custody agreement with my ex-partner. Going into the process, I had very limited knowledge, but Alana took the time to explain everything in clear, understandable terms, which made a huge difference for me.

My ex-partner was extremely difficult to deal with, and there were times when additional legal advice and reassurance were urgently needed—particularly when he became threatening and made concerning comments about not returning my child. Alana handled these situations with calm professionalism, offering sound guidance and unwavering support.

She was kind, considerate, and an absolute wealth of knowledge during one of the most stressful periods of my life. During mediation, Alana skillfully negotiated a very fair property settlement on my behalf. I truly felt that she had my best interests at heart at every stage.

If you’re looking for a lawyer who is both compassionate and a fierce advocate, I can’t recommend Alana Pointon highly enough. You will not regret choosing her.
Response from the owner 01:06 13 May 25
Thank you, Rowena, for your wonderful feedback. We are delighted to hear that Alana provided the support and professionalism you needed during such a challenging time. Your recommendation is greatly appreciated.
Rowena Gill
02:49 08 May 25
I recently engaged the services of Alana Pointon to assist with a property settlement and custody agreement with my ex-partner. Going into the process, I had very limited knowledge, but Alana took the time to explain everything in clear, understandable terms, which made a huge difference for me.

My ex-partner was extremely difficult to deal with, and there were times when additional legal advice and reassurance were urgently needed—particularly when he became threatening and made concerning comments about not returning my child. Alana handled these situations with calm professionalism, offering sound guidance and unwavering support.

She was kind, considerate, and an absolute wealth of knowledge during one of the most stressful periods of my life. During mediation, Alana skillfully negotiated a very fair property settlement on my behalf. I truly felt that she had my best interests at heart at every stage.

If you’re looking for a lawyer who is both compassionate and a fierce advocate, I can’t recommend Alana Pointon highly enough. You will not regret choosing her.
Response from the owner 01:06 13 May 25
Thank you, Rowena, for your wonderful feedback. We are delighted to hear that Alana provided the support and professionalism you needed during such a challenging time. Your recommendation is greatly appreciated.
James Crabb
22:25 24 Mar 25
Prompt, professional service and great advice. Thanks in particular Alana and also Bev and Mandy for your efforts. Highly recommended.
Response from the owner 21:06 25 Mar 25
Thank you James! We appreciate your recognition of Alana, Bev, and Mandy. We look forward to assisting you with any legal needs in the future.
James Crabb
22:25 24 Mar 25
Prompt, professional service and great advice. Thanks in particular Alana and also Bev and Mandy for your efforts. Highly recommended.
Response from the owner 21:06 25 Mar 25
Thank you James! We appreciate your recognition of Alana, Bev, and Mandy. We look forward to assisting you with any legal needs in the future.

Understanding the Process of Bankruptcy in Queensland

Bankruptcy is a legal status that provides relief for individuals and businesses unable to meet their financial obligations.

It offers a structured approach to resolving debts, ensuring fairness for both debtors and creditors.

Bankruptcy is a multi-faceted process with several key stages.

In Queensland, these stages are subject to the Bankruptcy Act 1966 and associated regulations. 

Initiating Bankruptcy: The Creditor's Petition

If an individual owes you money exceeding $10,000, you may apply to the court to make them bankrupt.

This initiates the bankruptcy process. To do this, you must file a 'creditor's petition'.

Proving an 'Act of Bankruptcy'

You must prove that the individual has committed an 'act of bankruptcy' within six months before your application.

Section 40 of the Bankruptcy Act 1966 lists the 'acts of bankruptcy'. This step involves a legal assessment to ensure your case meets the necessary criteria.

Obtaining a Judgment Debt

Before applying for a creditor's petition, you must have a judgment that proves the individual owes you a debt.

This judgment is a critical piece of evidence that validates your claim. To learn more about this important step, visit our page on debt recovery judgment for a detailed guide to the process.

Filing a Bankruptcy Notice

Once you have the judgment debt, the next step is to file a bankruptcy notice online. This notice formally commences the bankruptcy process. It sets the debtor's obligation to resolve the debt within a specified timeframe.

Serving the Bankruptcy Notice

Serving the bankruptcy notice is a crucial step that must adhere to strict procedures. It requires careful consideration and expert assistance. The bankruptcy notice gives the debtor 21 days to follow it. If they don't, it means they have done something that counts as bankruptcy.

Filing the Creditor's Petition

After serving the bankruptcy notice and assuming non-compliance, it is time to file the creditor's petition with the court. If the court accepts your petition, it will make a sequestration order, officially declaring the person bankrupt.

The Role of a Trustee

The registered trustee manages the finances upon declaration of bankruptcy. The trustee is important in bankruptcy. They check the debtor's finances and decide how to pay the creditors.

Enquire About Bankruptcy

We’re here to provide expert guidance and practical solutions, ensuring your business stays on the path to success.

REAL LAWYERS, REAL PEOPLE

Making your debtor bankrupt through a creditor's petition

YOU MUST ACT WITHIN 6 MONTHS

If someone owes you over $10,000 and they are an individual, you can ask the court to declare them bankrupt.  To do this, you submit a document known as a creditor petition.

To succeed with a creditors petition, you must demonstrate that the person has recently taken actions indicating their bankruptcy. This evidence must be within the last six months.

Bankruptcy is a legal process that can have a profound impact on both individuals and businesses.

In Queensland, as in the rest of Australia, a comprehensive legal framework governs the bankruptcy process.

Succeeding with a creditors petition requires you to prove that the individual has committed an ‘act of bankruptcy’ within six months prior to your application.

This time period cannot be extended, so you must act quickly if you want to pursue this option.

SEVERE CONSEQUENCES FOR DEBITOR

Initiating a Creditor’s Petition is a significant step that can have severe consequences for the debtor.

If the debtor’s bankruptcy is declared, their assets may be sold to repay outstanding debts.

It’s crucial for both creditors and debtors to understand the implications and seek legal counsel to navigate this process effectively.

THE DEBT MUST BE $10,000 OR MORE

This high threshold for bankruptcy proceedings ensures that the creditor’s position is reserved for more substantial debts.

Given the severe consequences of being declared bankrupt, the $10,000 threshold helps maintain a fair and balanced approach to debt recovery, protecting both creditors and debtors.

The Complexities of Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a complicated and stressful process, whether you’re trying to bankrupt someone or dealing with someone else’s bankruptcy proceedings.

Optimal results require expert guidance and legal representation because of the complex legal framework and multiple process stages.

Rostron Carlyle Lawyers - Your Trusted Partner in Bankruptcy Matters

Navigating bankruptcy in Queensland requires a thorough understanding of the legal framework, careful adherence to procedures, and expert support.

Rostron Carlye Rojas Lawyers possesses the experience and expertise needed to guide you through these challenging circumstances.

Contact Us

Contact our team of legal experts if you are going bankrupt.

Contact our team of legal experts if you are thinking of starting bankruptcy proceedings against someone who owes you money.

We are here to protect your rights and ensure the best possible outcomes in bankruptcy proceedings.

Complete the form to book a meeting with Rostron Carlyle Lawyers, your reliable partner for handling bankruptcy issues in Queensland.

Call our Brisbane Team on 07 3009 8444

Call our Sydney Team on 02 9307 8900

Enquire about Bankruptcy

"*" indicates required fields

The Role of Rostron Carlyle Lawyers

At Rostron Carlyle Lawyers, we specialise in assisting individuals and businesses facing the complexities of bankruptcy in Queensland.

Our legal team works hard to protect your rights and serve your best interests during bankruptcy.

We provide guidance, representation, and support to navigate this challenging period successfully.

Meet our experienced team

Debt Recovery

Hamish Carlyle

Michael Sing

Neil Yang