My OH went bankrupt (due to his business) last year. He was discharged after about 10 months but anything he gains i.e. a house etc within 3 years can be taken off him. You can be bankrupt for up to 3 years. It all depends on why you are bankrupt. For instance if you are in debt because of gambling, they look badly at that and you can even go to prison. They will take any assets. They even took our car that didn't work and was only worth about £600. Also depending how much you earn..............because my OH is on a good wage he has to pay the Official Receiver his excess cash every month for 3 years, although he technically isn't bankrupt anymore.
You also have to pay to go bankrupt (trying to remember but its about £400
) Which is ridiculous, you have no money!!
But before you can even declare bankruptcy you have to be advised to go bankrupt by a financial advisor. There is a free organisation who will work out all your outgoings etc and tell you what's your best option. When OH gets home I find out what its called, my memory sucks!
He also went to the CAB, they weren't interested and told him due to the sheer numbers they no longer deal with bankruptcy cases