Insolvency Law · European Union
Close a Company Correctly With a Liquidation Lawyer Who Handles Every Step
Closing a company is rarely a matter of signing one form — it means settling creditors, selling assets, distributing what remains and filing the right accounts in the right order. We match you, free of charge, with a liquidation lawyer who manages solvent and insolvent liquidations across Europe, so the process is done properly and you avoid personal liability.
- Solvent & insolvent liquidations
- Creditor and tax obligations handled
- No fee to get matched
No commitment. No hidden fees.
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Tell us about your situation and receive a free, confidential case review.
Who this is for
Every company that ends needs a lawful, ordered close
Liquidation is the formal process of winding up a company — stopping its business, realising its assets, paying creditors in the correct order and distributing any surplus to shareholders before the company is removed from the register. A solvent company can choose a voluntary liquidation, known in many jurisdictions as a members’ voluntary liquidation, while a company that cannot pay its debts typically enters an insolvent liquidation, which in most countries involves a licensed insolvency practitioner. The rules are strict: directors have duties that continue right up to dissolution, creditors must be notified and ranked correctly, and the tax authority is almost always a preferential claimant. Getting the sequence wrong — or leaving a company dormant and unclosed — can leave directors exposed to personal liability, disqualification and claims that surface years later.
Why liquidations go wrong
Liquidation rarely fails because directors mean well.
It fails when the statutory steps are missed or delayed.
Directors who close a company without following the statutory order can face personal claims, disqualification and unexpected tax bills.
Wrong liquidation type
Choosing a solvent procedure when the company is actually insolvent — or vice versa — has serious consequences. A lawyer confirms which route fits the real financial position before anything is filed.
Creditors paid out of order
Liquidation law sets a strict order for who gets paid first, and tax and employee claims typically rank ahead of unsecured creditors. Paying the wrong party first can expose directors to repayment claims.
Dormant company left open
Many directors simply stop trading and leave the company on the register, unaware that filing, tax and reporting duties continue. An unclosed company can rack up penalties and liabilities long after the business is gone.
What you get
A liquidation lawyer who closes the company properly
We only match you with lawyers and insolvency practitioners who conduct liquidations regularly, so the process is lawful, complete and free of loose ends.
Correct procedure chosen
Your lawyer assesses solvency and picks the right route — voluntary or court-driven, solvent or insolvent — so the company is wound up under the correct rules from the start.
Creditors & tax settled
Every creditor is notified and ranked correctly, statutory notices are published, and the tax authority’s claim is handled properly, protecting directors from later repayment demands.
Assets realised & distributed
Company assets are sold and valued correctly, and the proceeds are distributed in the statutory order, with any surplus returned to shareholders and properly accounted for.
Director protection
Your lawyer manages the director’s duties throughout the process, files final accounts and deregistration steps, and helps you avoid the personal liability that comes from an irregular close.
Coverage
Liquidation lawyers across Europe
Liquidation procedures are governed by national law, so the right lawyer is one who knows the winding-up rules of the country where your company is registered. We match cases across the following countries and beyond:
Frequently asked
Liquidation — common questions
What is the difference between solvent and insolvent liquidation?
A solvent liquidation (often a members’ voluntary liquidation) closes a company that can pay its debts in full, while an insolvent liquidation winds up a company that cannot. The procedure, practitioner requirements and director duties differ significantly, so the correct classification matters from the outset.
Can I just stop trading and leave the company?
No. Filing, tax and reporting duties generally continue until the company is formally dissolved, and leaving it dormant can accumulate penalties and liabilities. Directors also keep legal duties until the company is fully wound up and removed from the register.
Who pays the costs of liquidation?
Costs are usually paid from the company’s own assets, and in an insolvent liquidation the practitioner’s fees typically rank ahead of ordinary creditors. Where assets are insufficient, directors may need to fund the process, depending on the jurisdiction and the circumstances.
Am I personally liable for company debts?
Not automatically, but directors can face personal liability in specific cases — for example continuing to trade while insolvent, preferential payments to some creditors, or failing to file for liquidation when required. A lawyer assesses your exposure before you act.
How long does liquidation take?
The timeline varies by country, the company’s size and whether creditors or courts are involved, typically from a few months to well over a year. A solvent voluntary liquidation of a simple company is usually faster than an insolvent one with disputes.
Do I need a licensed practitioner or a lawyer?
In most European countries an insolvent liquidation must be run by a licensed insolvency practitioner, while a lawyer guides the legal and director-duty side. We match you with the right specialist for your country so both aspects are covered.
Free case review
Close your company without leaving liabilities behind
Tell us where the company is registered and why you’re closing it, and we’ll connect you with a liquidation lawyer who handles wind-ups in that country every day — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.