The two routes and their fees
Sequestration in Scotland has two forms: Full Administration (£150) and Minimal Asset Process (£50). Which one you qualify for depends on your income, assets and debt level.
The £150 or £50 is paid upfront when you apply. This is significantly cheaper than English/Welsh bankruptcy (£680).
Full Administration
Full Administration sequestration is for people who do not qualify for MAP — typically because they have higher income, higher-value assets, or own their home.
Full Administration involves more oversight from AiB and can involve asset realisation over a longer period.
Duration is normally 12 months to discharge, though Debtor Contribution Orders can require payments for up to 4 years.
Fee support
The fee is normally paid by the debtor. Some charities and hardship funds occasionally help with the fee for people who cannot afford it — Christians Against Poverty, StepChange, some Local Authority hardship funds.
Fee waivers exist in very limited circumstances but are not routine.