Insolvency Law · European Union
Navigate Insolvency Proceedings With a Lawyer Who Knows the Rules
Insolvency proceedings are formal, court-supervised processes for dealing with debts that cannot be repaid — and their rules, deadlines and consequences are unforgiving. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted insolvency proceedings lawyer who steers debtors and creditors through the process across Europe every day.
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Who this is for
For anyone already inside — or about to enter — a formal insolvency process
Insolvency proceedings are the formal legal processes through which a debtor’s affairs are dealt with when debts cannot be paid: liquidation, bankruptcy, administration and court-supervised restructuring, each with its own procedure, timeline and consequences. They affect debtors who have filed or been petitioned against, directors whose company has entered a process, creditors who must register claims by strict deadlines to be paid at all, and employees who may have entitlements under a national guarantee fund. Once proceedings open, a trustee, administrator or insolvency practitioner takes control, and the room for manoeuvre shrinks dramatically. Understanding the process, meeting its deadlines and asserting your rights at the right moment is what determines the outcome — and it is not something to navigate without experienced legal guidance.
Why people get stuck
Proceedings move on a strict timetable.
Miss a deadline and the outcome is decided without you.
Debtors and creditors alike underestimate how formal, fast and unforgiving the process is until a deadline has already passed.
Missing deadlines that decide everything
Creditors must file proof of debt by fixed dates, debtors must submit statements on schedule, and appeals must be lodged within short windows. A missed deadline can extinguish a claim or a defence entirely.
Losing control to the office-holder
Once a trustee or administrator is appointed, they exercise control over assets and decisions. Debtors who do not understand their rights and obligations can find themselves sidelined in their own case.
Not knowing which process you are in
Liquidation, administration and restructuring each follow different rules with different consequences. Confusing them leads to wrong assumptions about what will happen to assets, debts and directors.
What you get
An insolvency proceedings lawyer who keeps you on track
We only match you with lawyers who run formal insolvency proceedings regularly in your jurisdiction.
The process explained clearly
Your lawyer tells you exactly which process applies, what it means for your assets, debts and position, and what you must do at each stage — so there are no surprises.
Every deadline met
Your lawyer manages the procedural timetable — filings, proofs, statements and appeals — ensuring nothing lapses and your rights are fully preserved at every step.
Your interests asserted
Whether you are a debtor defending assets or a creditor claiming payment, your lawyer argues your position before the court and the office-holder at the moments that matter.
The right outcome pursued
Your lawyer works toward the best available result — a discharge, a recovery or an orderly resolution — and challenges improper decisions within the process.
Coverage
Insolvency proceedings lawyers across Europe
Insolvency proceedings are national, and the procedures, deadlines and office-holder powers differ substantially between countries. The right lawyer practises in the country where the proceedings are opened. We match cases across the following and beyond:
Frequently asked
Insolvency proceedings — common questions
What are the main types of insolvency proceedings?
The main types include liquidation, bankruptcy, administration and court-supervised restructuring, though their names and features vary by country. Each deals with debts differently — some wind a debtor down and distribute assets, while others aim to rescue the business. A lawyer will explain which applies to you.
How are insolvency proceedings started?
They are usually started either by the debtor filing voluntarily or by a creditor petitioning the court, provided the debtor is insolvent and the relevant threshold is met. The procedure and requirements differ by country, so a lawyer should advise on the correct route for your situation.
What is the role of the trustee or administrator?
The office-holder — known variously as a trustee, administrator or insolvency practitioner — takes control of the debtor’s assets, investigates conduct, and distributes proceeds to creditors according to the legal order of priority. Their specific powers and duties are set by the national regime.
How do I claim money owed to me in proceedings?
You generally must file a proof of debt with the office-holder by a set deadline, providing evidence of the amount and nature of your claim. Missing the deadline can mean recovering nothing, so creditors should act promptly and seek advice on how to file correctly.
Can insolvency proceedings be stopped or reversed?
In some circumstances, yes — for example where a petition is successfully challenged, debts are paid or an agreement is reached before a final order. The options depend on the stage of the process and the country, so a lawyer should assess the prospects in your case.
What happens to a debtor’s assets during proceedings?
Assets are typically collected and realised by the office-holder and distributed to creditors in a strict order of priority, subject to protections for certain essential assets and income. Exactly what is protected and what is sold depends on the country and the type of proceeding.
Free case review
In a formal process, the right advice at the right moment is everything
Tell us your situation and we’ll connect you with an insolvency proceedings lawyer who runs these cases in your country every day — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.