Question: I am a single mother, forced to declare bankruptcy, due to credit card/line of credit debt, and have monthly earnings at or below the monthly excess income limits. I was bankrupt previously, 18 years ago, for a totally different reason, than the current situation.
I will be going to court in February, and have been told that the most likely outcome is to have the bankruptcy discharge deffered 5-6 months.
What happens from the court date till the final discharge ? I have been told that I will no longer have to fill in the monthly income statements. Is this correct. Also, income tax & GST refunds that I would be elegible for in this period. Do they go to me, or to the trustee ?

Answer: Yes, what your trustee has told you appears to be correct. In the case of a second bankruptcy (filed before September 18, 2009) you are required to appear in bankruptcy court in Toronto for a discharge hearing. At that hearing the bankruptcy judge will determine when and how your bankruptcy will end. In the case of a second bankruptcy with no other issues it is common for the Toronto court to grant a “suspended order of discharge”, meaning that your official discharge will occur six months in the future. You would not be required to complete further income and expense statements, unless ordered to by the court.

GST refunds continue to be sent by Canada Revenue Agency to the trustee until you are discharged. In most cases you only lose your tax refund up to and including the year of bankruptcy. Your trustee can advise you further, based on your specific circumstances.

NOTE: Under new rules implemented on September 18, 2009, a court hearing is not automatically required if a second bankruptcy is filed after September 18, 2009.