A debt relief order is an alternative insolvency procedure to bankruptcy for individuals. It is available for debtors with limited assets and minimal income beyond their reasonable needs. It serves to prevent creditors from taking steps to enforce their debts against a debtor for a period of one year, unless they have the court’s permission.

It should be noted that a company under this section includes a company incorporated outside Great Britain that has an established place of business in Great Britain.

It is possible to make an application to court for the court’s permission to act as a director or be concerned in the promotion, formation or management of a company if any of the above apply.

However, any such application may be opposed by the official receiver who has a duty to do so if he considers that granting permission would be contrary to the public interest. Each application turns on its own facts and you should seek advice from our specialist director disqualification team if you have any queries in relation to the above.