Insolvency Law · European Union
Steer Your Company Through Corporate Insolvency With Expert Guidance
A company becomes insolvent when it can no longer pay its debts as they fall due — and the decisions made in the following weeks determine whether value is rescued or destroyed. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted corporate insolvency lawyer who guides directors and stakeholders through distress across Europe every day.
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Who this is for
For directors, shareholders and stakeholders whose company is in distress
Corporate insolvency is the legal framework that governs a company’s inability to meet its obligations. It matters to directors who must decide whether to continue trading, to rescue the business or to wind it down; to shareholders watching their investment deteriorate; and to lenders, suppliers and employees whose money or livelihoods are tied up in the outcome. The rules differ sharply across Europe — a UK administration is not the same as a German insolvency plan or a Spanish creditors’ agreement — and each imposes duties on directors that, if breached, can trigger personal liability. The central question is always whether the company remains viable enough to save, and corporate insolvency law is the machinery that answers it in an orderly, lawful way rather than through a chaotic scramble for whatever assets remain.
Why companies get stuck
Directors face a dangerous gap between cash-flow trouble and formal action.
In that gap, the wrong move is costly.
The period between first signs of distress and a formal filing is where value is lost, duties are breached and personal liability is created.
Trading while insolvent
In many countries a director who continues trading knowing the company cannot pay its debts risks personal liability for the losses that follow. The line between lawful rescue and wrongful trading is often unclear without specialist advice.
Losing control of the process
Once a creditor files a petition, the directors typically lose the ability to steer the outcome. Acting while you still have control lets you choose the route — restructuring, sale or orderly wind-down — instead of having it chosen for you.
Value destroyed in a fire sale
When distress becomes public, customers, staff and suppliers react, and assets are sold under pressure at a fraction of their worth. A managed process, begun early, preserves far more value for creditors and shareholders alike.
What you get
A corporate insolvency lawyer who protects directors and value
We only match you with lawyers who handle company distress, restructuring and liquidation regularly in your jurisdiction.
Directors’ duties clarified
Your lawyer explains exactly what the law in your country requires of directors once insolvency is a risk, and what steps you must take now to avoid personal liability later.
Rescue or wind-down strategy
You get a realistic assessment of whether the business can be saved through restructuring or a sale — and if not, a plan to wind it down lawfully with maximum recovery for creditors.
Creditor and stakeholder handling
Your lawyer manages lenders, suppliers, employees and regulators, negotiating standstills and agreements that keep the business functioning while a lasting solution is carefully worked out.
Compliant formal filing
Where a formal process is required, your lawyer prepares and files it correctly — protecting the directors and ensuring the treatment of assets and claims is defensible.
Coverage
Corporate insolvency lawyers across Europe
Corporate insolvency regimes are national, and the tools available — administration, restructuring plans, insolvency proceedings — differ by country. The right lawyer practises in the country where your company is incorporated. We match cases across the following and beyond:
Frequently asked
Corporate insolvency — common questions
When is a company legally insolvent?
A company is generally insolvent when it cannot pay its debts as they fall due, or when its liabilities exceed its assets, depending on the test your country applies. The exact threshold varies by jurisdiction, so a lawyer should assess your specific situation rather than relying on a rule of thumb.
What are my duties as a director once insolvency is possible?
In most countries directors must prioritise the interests of creditors and avoid actions that worsen their position, and trading on while knowingly insolvent can create personal liability. The precise duties differ by jurisdiction, so obtain advice the moment distress appears.
Can my company be rescued rather than liquidated?
Often yes. Depending on the country, options include restructuring plans, administration, or a sale of the business as a going concern. Success depends on acting early, while the company still has value and the directors still control the process.
What happens to a director’s personal guarantees?
Personal guarantees generally survive the company’s insolvency, meaning creditors can pursue the director personally. The extent of your exposure depends on what you signed and local law, so a lawyer should review any guarantees alongside the company’s position.
How long does corporate insolvency take?
This varies widely by country and route — an orderly liquidation may take months, while a complex restructuring can run for years. A lawyer familiar with your jurisdiction will give you a realistic timeline for the specific process your company needs.
What happens to employees and suppliers during insolvency?
Employees often have preferential rights for unpaid wages and may be protected by a national guarantee fund, while suppliers and unsecured creditors typically recover less. The treatment depends on the regime and your security position, so affected parties should seek prompt advice.
Free case review
The choices you make this week decide what survives
Tell us about your company’s situation and we’ll connect you with a corporate insolvency lawyer who handles distress cases in your country every day — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.