Insolvency Law · European Union
Regain Control of Personal Insolvency With the Right Lawyer
Personal debt rarely comes from recklessness — it builds through job loss, illness, divorce or a business that failed, until the letters and calls become impossible to manage alone. We match you, free of charge, with a vetted lawyer who helps individuals deal with unmanageable debt across Europe every day, from negotiated settlements to formal relief.
- 155+ legal services, 14 practice areas
- Lawyers across the EU & EEA
- No fee to get matched
No commitment. No hidden fees.
Get matched with a lawyer
Tell us about your situation and receive a free, confidential case review.
Who this is for
For anyone whose debts have grown larger than their income can carry
Personal insolvency is the legal term for what happens when an individual can no longer repay what they owe. It covers people drowning in credit-card and consumer debt, former business owners who personally guaranteed a company’s obligations, homeowners facing repossession, and anyone being pursued by enforcement agents or court judgements. Every European country offers some form of individual relief — bankruptcy, a debt settlement plan, or a structured repayment arrangement — but the eligibility rules, the assets you may keep, and the length of the process all vary significantly from one jurisdiction to the next. The aim is rarely to escape debt entirely; it is to reach a lawful, workable resolution that stops the pressure, protects what the law allows you to keep, and gives you a clear path back to financial stability.
Why individuals get stuck
Debt is isolating, and silence makes it worse.
Most people wait until enforcement has already begun.
Facing creditors alone, without knowing your legal rights or which relief options exist, turns a solvable problem into a crisis.
Relentless creditor pressure
Calls, letters and threats of court action keep coming even when you have nothing left to pay. Without a lawyer, you may not know which debts are enforceable, which are time-barred, or how to make the pressure stop lawfully.
Fear of losing your home
Homeowners often avoid seeking help because they assume any formal process means automatic repossession — when in fact many jurisdictions protect a primary residence, at least in part, and a lawyer can clarify what you would actually keep.
Not knowing which route fits
Bankruptcy, debt settlement plans, individual voluntary arrangements and informal agreements all have different consequences for your assets, your credit record and your future. Choosing without advice can lock you into the wrong one for years.
What you get
A personal insolvency lawyer on your side, not the creditors’
We only match you with lawyers who help individuals resolve personal debt regularly in your country.
Honest options review
Your lawyer maps every relief route available in your jurisdiction, explains what each means for your home, income and credit record, and recommends the one that actually fits your circumstances.
Creditor pressure stopped
Once a lawyer is involved, creditors are generally required to communicate through them. You gain breathing space, and formal processes such as enforcement can often be paused or redirected.
Assets protected where possible
Your lawyer identifies which assets and income the law lets you retain and structures your approach to shield them, so you do not give up more than the process actually requires.
A clear end point
Personal insolvency is not permanent. Your lawyer sets out the timeline to discharge or settle your debts, so you know exactly when the process ends and your finances can start again.
Coverage
Personal insolvency lawyers across Europe
Individual debt relief rules are set nationally, and the differences are significant — from the length of a discharge to the assets you may keep. The right lawyer practises in your specific country. We match cases across the following and beyond:
Frequently asked
Personal insolvency — common questions
What is the difference between personal insolvency and bankruptcy?
Personal insolvency is the broader state of being unable to repay your debts. Bankruptcy is one specific court process for dealing with them, and most countries also offer gentler alternatives such as debt settlement or repayment plans. A lawyer will explain which option suits your situation.
Will I lose my home if I enter a personal insolvency process?
Not necessarily. Many jurisdictions offer some protection for a primary residence or allow you to negotiate with the lender, though this varies by country and by whether you own the property jointly. A lawyer can clarify what the law in your country would actually protect.
How long does personal insolvency last?
This depends on the country and the route you take. Some discharge periods last a few years, while negotiated settlements may be shorter. The timeline is set by local law, so a lawyer will confirm the realistic duration for your specific case.
Can personal insolvency clear all my debts?
Not every debt can be discharged. Certain obligations, such as some tax debts or court fines, may survive the process depending on the jurisdiction. A lawyer will review your individual debts and tell you which ones can realistically be resolved and which cannot.
Will creditors stop contacting me once I get help?
In most cases, yes. Once a lawyer is formally engaged, creditors are typically expected to deal with them directly, and court processes or enforcement can often be paused. This alone provides substantial relief for people who have been living under constant contact.
Do I have any options besides bankruptcy?
Usually yes. Alternatives may include informal repayment agreements, debt settlement plans, or court-approved arrangements that let you pay an affordable amount over time. The best option depends on your income, assets and the type of debt, which is exactly what a lawyer will assess.
Free case review
You do not have to face your debts alone
Tell us your situation and we’ll connect you with a personal insolvency lawyer who helps individuals in your country every day — free of charge, with no obligation to hire.