FAQs
When should I undertake an overseas bankruptcy search?
An overseas bankruptcy search should be carried out if you are making any payment from an estate to a person who lives abroad, including an interim payment.
If a beneficiary is subject to bankruptcy proceedings the executors/ administrators could be personally liable if they do not fulfil their duty to ensure that the beneficiary can legally receive the payment.
What information do I need to provide to obtain an international bankruptcy search?
In most cases we will require the name, date of birth and residential address of the beneficiary to be searched. In many countries, residents are also issued with a personal identification number or similar. Where this applies this number is often required as bankruptcy records will be registered against this number.
You can find out the information required from the specific county page.
How do I order multiple international bankruptcy searches?
You can order multiple bankruptcy searches in the same order (on the same invoice). This is possible whether you wish to search the bankruptcy records of:
multiple beneficiaries in the same country,
multiple beneficiaries in different countries
multiple countries for the same beneficiary (ie where the beneficiary has lived in a number of different countries).
If you wish to order and pay online please visit the search page for each country you wish to search. Select the “order and pay online’ button add fill in the beneficiary details for the first beneficiary. Once added select the International Bankruptcy Searches logo at the top of the screen to continue shopping and repeat the process for the next search and so on until you have completed a beneficiary information page for each beneficiary in each country. Once you have all of the required searches in your basket, follow the instructions to checkout.
Alternatively send all of the beneficiary details in an email to: info@internationalbankruptcysearches.com and we can send you an invoice so you can pay by bank transfer. If you prefer to pay by card just give us a call on 01244 478 201 and we can deal with the order over the phone for you.
How much does an overseas bankruptcy search cost?
The costs of the bankruptcy search will depend on the country of residence of the search subject (beneficiary). Each country records bankruptcy information differently and the cost will vary accordingly. To check out the costs of the bankruptcy search in the country where the search is required, please visit the specific country page.
If the search report confirms there are ‘no records found’ will I still be charged?
Yes. Even if your search didn't find any bankruptcy records, you will be charged the search fee which is payable in advance of the search being undertaken and is not refundable.
You will be provided with a report which will confirm no evidence of bankruptcy has been found which you can keep on your file to confirm you have met you obligation to conduct the search.
What happens if a bankruptcy is revealed?
Once the bankruptcy search has been undertaken you will receive a report setting out the results of the search. If a record of bankruptcy is revealed, the report will provide all the details ascertained in the search. Where this provides details of the bankruptcy administrator (as is usually the case) we will provide those details to you so that you may make further enquiries.
How long does an overseas bankruptcy search take?
The timescale of the bankruptcy search will depend on the country being searched. In most cases the result will be reported to you within 1-3 days from receipt of payment, however for some countries it can take up to 20 days.
If you require the search urgently, please contact us to as we will always endeavour to meet your required timescale wherever possible.
To check the timescale for a bankruptcy search in any particular country please contact us and we will be happy to advise you.