We have never looked back, either, Badvoc. It isn't to say it's a good solution. I still feel guilt that we didn't manage to meet our commitments and I'm not able to 'celebrate' being debt free as freely as if we had achieved it by paying our debts to their conclusion. But I am proud that we took a difficult situation, made a hard decision and made a fresh start. I'm proud that 7 years on we are still debt free and, crucially, our attitude to money is never to take it lightly.
Practically speaking, though:
Trinity will also have to take very good advice before filing bankruptcy if she has a mortgage. Any equity in the property would be expected to be released. In essence, if Trinity has £15k equity, then going bankrupt would simply mean that she sells the house, loses £10k in fees, gives the £5k to the Official Receiver, has a massive restriction for 12 months and has a terrible credit score for 6 years. It would only be practical if she is in negative equity.
The headstone - it won't help to file bankruptcy if, for example, the headstone bill has to be paid before the headstone is supplied. The only way bankruptcy would help is if the headstone is already in place and you have a bill to pay.
The Council Tax is a biggie - that would be written off, but you'd have to budget to make sure you could pay council tax from the date of bankruptcy.
The Vet bill isn't worth filing for - it's an unsecured debt and whilst it sucks, the worst that will happen is being chased for payment. It would be better to actually talk to the vet and ask for a plan.
The Garage bill - see the Vet. They won't be happy, but what can they actually do?
Mortgage - well the mortgage company may go for repossession.
The friend wouldn't see a penny under Bankruptcy and you'd be barred from trying to pay him/her back even after the discharge. It would actually be breaking the law and there are quite stiff penalties.