Lawyers administering the late Julian Hall's bankruptcy wish to wait until details of his estate are established before deciding how to proceed with the case.

Mr. Hall, a prominent lawyer and former politician, owed around $3 million plus interest to his creditors when he died on July 18.

He had campaigned in the final years of his life for his bankruptcy to be discharged and the Official Receiver, who handles bankruptcy cases, was contesting the issue at the time of his death.

Mr. Hall was ordered by Judge Carlisle Greaves in February to begin paying his creditors back at $6,000 per month from his salary as a Government consultant. Lawyers in the case yesterday confirmed that he had done so.

However, Kulandra Ratneser, representing the Official Receiver, told the judge yesterday that it is unclear whether Mr. Hall left an estate with money sufficient to clear the rest of his debts. The court date had been set prior to Mr. Hall's death, and Mr. Ratneser asked for the matter to be adjourned.

"It's far too early to assess whether or not there is any property in the estate of the deceased Julian Hall, and the Official Receiver is unable to advise the court if there is any property in the estate of Julian Hall," he said.

He explained afterwards that bankruptcy does not end with the bankrupt's death without a specific order from the court. Mr. Justice Greaves is due to make a ruling today on the application for an adjournment of the case.

Mr. Hall was adjudged bankrupt in January 2000. His creditors include wealthy widow Betty McMahon, the estate of lawyer Charles Vaucrosson and the Bank of Bermuda.