PART IXN.I.BANKRUPTCY

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CHAPTER IIN.I.PROTECTION OF BANKRUPT'S ESTATE AND INVESTIGATION OF HIS AFFAIRS

[F1Bankrupt's home ceasing to form part of estateN.I.

256A.—(1) This Article applies where property comprised in the bankrupt's estate consists of an interest in a dwelling-house which at the date of the bankruptcy was the sole or principal residence of—

(a)the bankrupt,

(b)the bankrupt's spouse [F2or civil partner] , or

(c)a former spouse [F3or former civil partner] of the bankrupt.

(2) At the end of the period of 3 years beginning with the date of the bankruptcy the interest mentioned in paragraph (1) shall—

(a)cease to be comprised in the bankrupt's estate, and

(b)vest in the bankrupt (without conveyance, assignment or transfer).

(3) Paragraph (2) shall not apply if during the period mentioned in that paragraph—

(a)the trustee realises the interest mentioned in paragraph (1),

(b)the trustee applies for an order for sale in respect of the dwelling-house,

(c)the trustee applies for an order for possession of the dwelling-house,

(d)the trustee applies for an order under Article 286 in Chapter IV in respect of that interest, or

(e)the trustee and the bankrupt agree that the bankrupt shall incur a specified liability to his estate (with or without the addition of interest from the date of the agreement) in consideration of which the interest mentioned in paragraph (1) shall cease to form part of the estate.

(4) Where an application of a kind described in paragraph (3)(b) to (d) is made during the period mentioned in paragraph (2) and is dismissed, unless the High Court orders otherwise the interest to which the application relates shall on the dismissal of the application—

(a)cease to be comprised in the bankrupt's estate, and

(b)vest in the bankrupt (without conveyance, assignment or transfer).

(5) If the bankrupt does not inform the trustee or the official receiver of his interest in a property before the end of the period of 3 months beginning with the date of the bankruptcy, the period of 3 years mentioned in paragraph (2)—

(a)shall not begin with the date of the bankruptcy, but

(b)shall begin with the date on which the trustee or official receiver becomes aware of the bankrupt's interest.

(6) The High Court may substitute for the period of 3 years mentioned in paragraph (2) a longer period—

(a)in prescribed circumstances, and

(b)in such other circumstances as the Court thinks appropriate.

(7) The rules may make provision for this Article to have effect with the substitution of a shorter period for the period of 3 years mentioned in paragraph (2) in specified circumstances (which may be described by reference to action to be taken by a trustee in bankruptcy).

(8) The rules may also, in particular, make provision—

(a)requiring or enabling the trustee of a bankrupt's estate to give notice that this Article applies or does not apply;

(b)about the effect of a notice under sub-paragraph (a);

(c)requiring the trustee of a bankrupt's estate to make an application to the Land Registry or the Registry of Deeds.

(9) Rules under paragraph (8)(b) may, in particular—

(a)disapply this Article;

(b)enable the High Court to disapply this Article;

(c)make provision in consequence of a disapplication of this Article;

(d)enable the Court to make provision in consequence of a disapplication of this Article;

(e)make provision (which may include provision conferring jurisdiction on a court or tribunal) about compensation.]

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