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Going bankrupt from abroad

Journeyman99

Hi all,

I am curious whether anyone has gone bankrupt in England after moving back to the States? Had a total Covid meltdown/loss of job/finances etc. and had to move back to the U.S. Pretty much lost everything. Managed to scrape enough together to pay the last of my rental agreement in the UK and get the flight back home, but have about 2500 GBP in outstanding utilities debt that has a judgment against it after being sold to a third party.

It looks like going bankrupt in England is my best bet but am concerned about implications. Specifically, I am wondering if anybody knows these big questions:

1. Does the US in any way 'see' this bankruptcy? I don't want to ruin what is left of my credit in the US and am hoping it sticks to England

2. Can the adjudicator use my wages in the U.S. as leverage against my bankruptcy request for total discharge of the debt? Still haven't found work here, but I freelance where I can. No monthly salary though.

3. Is there anything else I should know about negative implications for me in the U.S. if I go bankrupt in England?

Thanks in advance for all your help. Been a real shit year.

See also

Living in England: the expat guideUK / US tax advice neededManaging meals in EnglandManaging retirement savings in EnglandMusa Khan (BSc Agriculture (agronomy)New members of the England forum, introduce yourselves here - 2025Remuneration structure in England
Cynic

Hi and welcome to the Forum.

Sorry to hear about your problems.  I think your best bet for some free reliable advice is to contact the Citizens Advice Bureau in the UK; this link will take you straight to their website; they are impartial and free.

I'd be very wary about asking for advice on an internet forum.  We do our best to help, but we're not lawyers and can only reflect what we see and hear.

I wish you the best in your journey.

Hope this helps.

Cynic
Expat Team