Court turns down application for an administration order

Can the administration order be refused?

The district judge has discretion whether to grant an administration order or not. A judge is unlikely to refuse an administration order, as long as you can afford to make a monthly repayment of some kind.

The district judge can't refuse to make an administration order without a hearing. At a hearing the judge may refuse an administration order if:

• they think your debts have been taken on recklessly or irresponsibly
• you don't have enough spare money to pay back your debts
• you have large items of property which could be sold to reduce the your debt, but you refuse to sell them. This does not include your own home but if you are a homeowner the judge may think that the creditors should be allowed to apply for a charge against your home and so will refuse the order on that basis.

What to do if your application is refused

If your administration order is being refused and you don't think the courts have given a good reason, you could complain to the court or contact your local citizens advice bureaux for help.

If your administration order is refused, you might want to think about paying off your debts with another debt solution. The following may be suitable for you:

• debt relief order
• debt management plan
• informal agreement with your creditors
• bankruptcy.

Next steps

• Other options for dealing with your debt
• Is an administration order right for you?