Insolvency Law · European Union
Face Bankruptcy With a Lawyer Who Knows the Process Inside Out
Bankruptcy is a formal court process for dealing with debts that cannot be repaid — and it carries serious consequences for your assets, your credit and your future. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted bankruptcy lawyer who guides individuals and businesses through the process across Europe every day.
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Who this is for
For anyone facing the reality of a formal bankruptcy process
Bankruptcy is the court-driven process by which a person’s or a company’s assets are collected, realised and distributed among creditors, after which the debtor is typically released from the remaining debts. The rules, the assets that may be retained, and the length of the process all vary considerably across Europe. Whether you are an individual considering a bankruptcy petition as a way out of unmanageable debt, a creditor seeking to bankrupt a debtor who will not pay, or a business owner facing the winding-up of your company, the outcome depends heavily on getting the timing and the procedure right. Bankruptcy is rarely something to enter lightly, but handled correctly it can draw a line under the past and allow a fresh start that informal debt juggling never provides.
Why people get stuck
Bankruptcy is a legal minefield.
One wrong step can cost assets, income and years.
People often file too late, misunderstand what they will lose, or breach the process’s obligations without realising the consequences.
Misunderstanding what you keep
Many debtors assume bankruptcy means losing everything, and delay filing out of fear — while others assume the opposite and are shocked by what is actually realised. The assets you may retain vary by country, and only a lawyer can tell you precisely.
Filing at the wrong time
The timing of a bankruptcy petition changes everything: what debts are discharged, which transactions can be challenged, and what restrictions follow. Filing too early or too late can materially worsen the outcome.
Breaching the process’s duties
Bankruptcy imposes ongoing obligations — cooperation, disclosure, and restrictions on new credit or acting as a director. Failing to meet them can extend the process or lead to further legal trouble.
What you get
A bankruptcy lawyer who handles the process end to end
We only match you with lawyers who run bankruptcy cases regularly in your country.
Whether bankruptcy is right for you
Your lawyer weighs bankruptcy against the alternatives — debt settlement, repayment plans, negotiated agreements — and tells you honestly whether it is the right or wrong route for your situation.
Protection of exempt assets
You learn exactly which assets and income your country’s law allows you to keep, and your lawyer structures the filing to protect them where the law permits.
The entire process handled
From preparing the petition to dealing with the trustee, creditors and the court, your lawyer manages every step so you are not left navigating procedural requirements alone.
A genuine fresh start
Your lawyer focuses on the end point — discharge from remaining debts — and sets out the realistic timeline and conditions, so you know what a clean slate actually requires.
Coverage
Bankruptcy lawyers across Europe
Bankruptcy law is set nationally, and the differences are marked — from discharge periods to the assets a debtor may keep. The right lawyer practises in your specific country. We match cases across the following and beyond:
Frequently asked
Bankruptcy — common questions
What exactly does bankruptcy mean?
Bankruptcy is a formal court process in which a debtor’s assets are collected and distributed among creditors, after which the debtor is usually released from the debts that remain unpaid. The precise rules, exemptions and duration vary by country, so a lawyer will explain how the process works where you live.
Will bankruptcy clear all of my debts?
Most unsecured debts can typically be discharged, but certain obligations — such as some tax debts, fines or debts arising from fraud — may survive depending on the jurisdiction. A lawyer will review your specific debts and tell you which ones bankruptcy would actually resolve.
What assets will I lose if I go bankrupt?
This depends heavily on the country and the nature of the assets. Many jurisdictions protect essential items, tools of trade and sometimes a primary residence, while other assets are realised to pay creditors. Only a lawyer can tell you precisely what you would keep and what would be sold.
How long does bankruptcy last?
The duration varies widely by country, commonly ranging from one to several years before discharge. The exact period depends on the jurisdiction and on factors such as your cooperation and conduct during the process, so obtain specific advice for your situation.
Can a creditor force me into bankruptcy?
Yes. In most countries a creditor who is owed an undisputed sum above a certain threshold can petition the court to have you declared bankrupt. This is a serious step, and a lawyer can advise you on how to respond, negotiate, or propose an alternative before the petition succeeds.
What restrictions apply during and after bankruptcy?
Depending on the country, you may face restrictions on acting as a director, obtaining credit above a certain amount, or holding certain roles, and these can continue for a period after discharge. A lawyer will set out the specific restrictions that apply to you.
Free case review
Bankruptcy can be a fresh start — if it is handled correctly
Tell us your situation and we’ll connect you with a bankruptcy lawyer who runs these cases in your country every day — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.