Consequences of Changes in Consumer Bankruptcy Regulations

Abstract

The purpose of the article/hypothesis: The aim of the article is to review and present changes to the consumer bankruptcy law and the implications of these changes for individual debtors. Methodology: The study deals with the effects of bankruptcy proceedings against individual debtors who do not conduct business activity (remission of bankrupt's liabilities, or at least partial repayment of creditors by the debtors) together with the analysis of changes in the law. It will be used to verify the hypothesis that the liberalization of regulations has resulted in an increase in the number of consumer bankruptcy petitions filed, as well as open bankruptcy proceedings conducted against individual debtors. Results of the research: The results of the analysis presented in the paper support the hypothesis that the liberalization of regulations in the area of consumer bankruptcy has resulted in a significant increase in the number of consumer bankruptcy petitions and open bankruptcy proceedings against individual debtors. It seems that as crucial as creating a possibility for the indebted to return to normality in the form of consumer bankruptcy, it is equally important to take care of the sense of equality in this process. It is vital to be aware that consumer debt relief comes at the expense of other market participants – obviously direct creditors but the general public as well.