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What is Minimal Asset Process bankruptcy in Scotland?

Scotland’s streamlined route into bankruptcy for people with low income and minimal assets — quicker and cheaper than full sequestration, with strict entry tests.

Written by The My Debt Cleared editorial teamLast reviewed 22 September 2026Applies to Scotland onlyPrimary source Accountant in BankruptcyEditorial policy
The Minimal Asset Process (MAP) is a simplified form of bankruptcy in Scotland, administered by the Accountant in Bankruptcy, for people on low income with few assets. It is designed to be quicker and cheaper than full sequestration: debtors are typically discharged after six months, against 12 months in an ordinary sequestration. Entry runs through a money adviser, who certifies that the criteria are met — which is also why exact current thresholds should always be confirmed with the adviser and the Accountant in Bankruptcy rather than a summary page.

Who MAP is designed for

MAP targets the cases where full sequestration would be procedure without purpose: income made up of benefits or otherwise low, assets below the scheme’s limits (with allowances for a modest vehicle), debt within the scheme’s band, and no home ownership — homeowners cannot use MAP. The tests are set in Scottish legislation and applied by the money adviser who certifies the application; because the figures can be amended, treat any specific numbers you read online as prompts for the adviser conversation, not as self-assessment.

How the process works

You cannot apply directly: a money adviser — free through Scotland’s advice agencies — assesses your situation, confirms MAP fits, and submits the application to the Accountant in Bankruptcy with the application fee (reduced against full sequestration, and waived for some on certain benefits). If awarded, your name enters the Register of Insolvencies, included debts stop being enforceable against you, and discharge normally follows after six months. Restrictions on credit and conduct continue after discharge for a period, as in any bankruptcy.

MAP against the other Scottish routes

Against the Debt Arrangement Scheme, MAP writes debt off rather than repaying it over time; against a Protected Trust Deed, MAP suits those who could not sustain four years of contributions; against full sequestration, MAP is the same destination through a shorter, cheaper door for those who meet its tests. Which fits is exactly what the money adviser weighs — and in Scotland that advice is free through the agencies the Accountant in Bankruptcy lists.

Not in Scotland?

MAP exists only in Scots law. In England and Wales the closest counterpart for low-income, low-asset cases is the Debt Relief Order; this page explains the mapping in both directions.

Where to get MAP advice

Citizens Advice Scotland bureaux and local-authority money advice services provide the certifying advice free. The Accountant in Bankruptcy — Scotland’s insolvency service — publishes the current criteria, fees and forms; it is the primary source for every figure on this topic.

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