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Frequently asked questions about bankruptcy & debt

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FAQs

What are some warning signs that I might have a debt problem?

If your monthly debt payments (not counting rent or a mortgage) are greater than 20% of your income, you are headed toward a difficult financial situation. Other warning signs include difficulty paying monthly bills, trouble keeping track of money, and uncontrolled spending.

What is the difference between personal bankruptcy and a consumer proposal?

While both personal bankruptcy and a consumer proposals are administered by a Licensed Insolvency Trustee (previously known as a Trustee in Bankruptcy), they involve different legal processes to eliminate your debt. You should choose between the two based on your individual situation. Bankruptcy is the best choice if you have over $250,000 in debt and have an uncertain income. A consumer proposal is a good choice if you have less than $250,000 in debt and have a steady income.

Am I eligible to file a consumer proposal?

To be eligible to file a consumer proposal, your debts must total less than $250,000. You must have a stable income source, have no open prior proposal proceedings, and be unable to pay your debts when they are due. Businesses cannot file consumer proposals.

What are the steps to filing a consumer proposal?

First, you need a Licensed Insolvency Trustee to review your financial situation. Your trustee will work with you to determine how large a monthly payment you can fit into your budget. Then, he or she will make an official offer to your creditors. If it is accepted, you make monthly payments for a predetermined amount of time.

How do I rebuild my credit after bankruptcy or filing a consumer proposal?

The best thing you can do to rebuild your credit is to pay your bills on time. Avoid any habits that could get you back into debt, like charging purchases you can’t pay back. When you set up your budget, make sure to put aside extra money each month in case of emergency. You can also get a secured credit card with a low limit, which, if you make your payments on time, can start to rebuild your credit score.

Browse Debt Review Options in Canada

Consumer Proposals

Consumer proposals can be an alternative to bankruptcy that reduces debt and gives you more time to pay back creditors.

Legally stop creditors
Keep your assets & negotiate lower payments
Avoid bankruptcy

Bankruptcy

We will help you through the bankruptcy process every step of the way and guide you to a better financial future.

Wipe out most unsecured debt
Protect assets like your home
Last resort option

Corporate Bankruptcy

Corporate bankruptcy can be difficult to navigate, but we’ll help you through the maze, while also exploring other options too.

Restructure debt
Protect jobs for employees
Avoid liquidation

Corporate Insolvency

Restructure your debt and operations to secure your company’s future.

Navigate financial hurdles and protect jobs
Typically liquidate assets to pay off debts
Avoid corporate bankruptcy

Debt Consolidation

You consolidate various debts under one loan to pay back to creditors. This approach can help you save on interest over time.

Simplify repayments & reduce interest rates
Improve credit score
Gain control over finances, avoid multiple creditors

Debt Management Plan

Stay in control of your debts with a predictable, scheduled repayment plan. These plans can run for up to 5 years and aim to leave you debt-free at the end of the repayment period.

Potentially reduce payments
Avoid interest
Repay debt in agreed time frame

Division 1 Proposals

Division 1 Proposals let you change the terms of your debt, reducing the amount you owe and / or extending the repayment period.

Repay portion of debt over extended period
Retain assets
Avoid bankruptcy

Credit Counselling

Here, you’ll learn to pinpoint the causes of your financial issues and gain the tools to take back control of your finances.

Develop a personalized budget
Learn debt management strategies
Repair damaged credit

Debt Settlement

To settle your debt you can hire a company to negotiate with the creditor.

Potential for significant debt reduction
May damage credit score
Not guaranteed

Support across Canada

Why choose us for consumer proposals in Ontario?

Remove up to 80% of your debt

Our Licensed Insolvency Trustees can provide a customised consumer proposal that could shrink your debt by up to 80%.

Get debt help

Professional guidance in any language

Our multilingual team offers debt support in Farsi, Portuguese, Italian, Tamil, and more, so you can feel comfortable every step of the way.

Meet the team

Nationwide support

With offices in nine provinces, we offer in-person debt support across Canada—from Atlantic provinces to Ontario to British Columbia.

See our locations

Get in touch with Harris & Partners

If you need help from those who specialize in solving debt problems, contact us at Harris & Partners Inc. Licensed Insolvency Trustee. In Toronto, NorthYork, Brampton, St.Catharines, Ottawa, Pickering, Oshawa, Hamilton, Kitchener, Brantford, Barrie and Markham, our federally Licensed Insolvency Trustees can help you achieve long lasting financial solutions.

Contact information

It's never too late to obtain debt help. Book your free consultation today

Phone number: 800-268-8093
Email: hello@harrispartners.ca

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   Harris & Partners Inc.
   2226 Google reviews 
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      Posted on Google  
   
   Laverne Jackson 
 10 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a very positive experience with Harris & Partners Consumer Proposal process.
Vlad, my intake administrator was amazing. He patiently guided me through the propane explain ed things clearly.
Vlad’s communication was excellent and he constantly followed up to ensure everything went well.
Thank you Vlad and team for your assistance and professionalism
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   T S 
 9 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Good service overall! Everything went smoothly, but I have to deduct one star. For a company that claims to be professional, they didn't bother to correct my name. They listed my middle name as my last name, and when I spoke to Samuel via Google Meet, he promised to fix it. However, the new document I was asked to sign still had the same mistake, which they failed to correct. It was a simple fix they ignored. I also messaged Ali, but nothing was changed. Not a great impression.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Kim ONeill 
 7 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very helpful and judgment free
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Ryan Jackson 
 6 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. great service. very understanding and accomodating people to deal with in the unfortunate event of insurmountable debt
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Ruth Planta 
 2 October 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Very informative and practice good customer care
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Pierre Michel Gregoire 
 17 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. So far very promp service. Great communication
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Erika DeBruyne 
 14 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Every star earned!  The staff at Harris and Partners have given me peace of mind by helping me become debt free and giving me hope.  Every person I have had interactions with has been professional,  helpful and kind. There has been no judgement. I really appreciate this team, a special thank you to Deandre and Samuel.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Alan Tuck 
 11 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Working with Harris & Partners made my life less stressful. Yasan was amazing to work with. He provided one on one consultation at anytime and was truly professional throughout.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   kiranjit kaur 
 10 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I had a good experience with the debt relief agency. The team was professional, understanding, and explained the process clearly. I appreciated being able to ask questions without feeling judged, and the communication was helpful throughout the process.
Overall, I felt supported and would recommend them to anyone considering debt relief to do their research and see whether the service is right for their situation.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Satish Tiwari 
 9 September 2026
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They were a beacon and helped me to getting back on feet.
  
 
 
  
 
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Frequently asked questions about bankruptcy & debt

FAQs

What are some warning signs that I might have a debt problem?

What is the difference between personal bankruptcy and a consumer proposal?

Am I eligible to file a consumer proposal?

What are the steps to filing a consumer proposal?

How do I rebuild my credit after bankruptcy or filing a consumer proposal?

Can I include my student loans in my bankruptcy?

What will happen to my house if I file for bankruptcy?

What is the difference between a licensed trustee and a credit counsellor?

Is my spouse liable for my debt?

What are the best ways to reduce debt?

Browse Debt Review Options in Canada

Why choose us for consumer proposals in Ontario?

Get in touch with Harris & Partners

Contact form

Review your debt options and take control today