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About the Official Receiver

Official Receivers are civil servants of The Insolvency Service and officers of the court. They are responsible for administering the initial stage, at least, of your insolvency. You become insolvent when you can no longer pay your debts. Insolvency procedures ensure your creditors (people you owe money) get back some or all of their money by selling your assets (property, shares etc).

Insolvency procedures where the Official Receiver is involved include:

• bankruptcy
  
• debt relief orders – an alternative to bankruptcy
  
• fast-track voluntary arrangements – an alternative to bankruptcy
  
• compulsory company liquidation – managing the affairs of a company in liquidation and the sale of its assets

How to use this service

There are three ways you can search for an Official Receiver:

• select an Official Receiver office location – for example, Newcastle
  
• select a court name – the directory will show you the Official Receiver working with that court
• enter an Official Receiver’s surname

• Search the Official Receiver directory Opens new window

Do not use this service if ...

Official Receivers deal with individual insolvency cases in England and Wales that the court has appointed them to.

If you want personal advice about your debt problem you can get free and independent help from organisations like Citizens Advice or the National Debtline.

If you need general information on insolvency legislation and procedures (like bankruptcy) contact the Insolvency Enquiry Line. Telephone 0845 602 9848, Monday to Friday 8.00 am to 5.00 pm. For Scotland or Northern Ireland, contact The Accountant in Bankruptcy (Scotland) or The Insolvency Service Northern Ireland.

• Debt - where to get free help and advice (money, tax and benefits section)

• Accountant in Bankruptcy Opens new window

• The Insolvency Service Northern Ireland Opens new window

More useful links

• Complain about an Official Receiver to The Insolvency Service (money, tax and benefits section)