We have one of the leading insolvency practices in East Anglia, led by Ian Waine, a recognised expert in this field by Chambers and Partners and Kevin Sullivan who in June 2004 successfully passed the Certificate of Proficiency in Insolvency examination and oversees the majority court-related work.

The team provides advice and assistance to businesses and individuals (whether as debtors or creditors) as well as lenders and insolvency practitioners on matters such as the following:

• the suitability and mechanics of the following formal insolvency procedures:

(a) liquidation – both compulsory and voluntary (members’/creditors’);
(b) administration – both out of court and via court application;
(c) company voluntary arrangement;
(d) administrative receivership;
(e) individual voluntary arrangement; and
(f) bankruptcy.

• issues arising out of the above such as:

1. retention of title claims;
2. default under a voluntary arrangement;
3. disputes surrounding any interest a trustee may allege to have in the bankrupt’s matrimonial home;
4. validity of an administrative receiver’s appointment;
5. interim orders;
6. disputed charges;
7. completion of proxies in connection with creditors’ meetings (as well as the conduct of such meetings);
8. disputed debt recovery claims;
9. set-off;
10. suspension of a bankrupt’s period of discharge;
11. antecedent transactions ie. preferences, misfeasance, transactions at an undervalue/defrauding creditors;
12. purchasing the business from an office holder such as a liquidator or administrator;
13. investigations into the affairs of a company (including their directors and shadow directors);
14. Bankruptcy Restriction Orders/Agreements
15. Income Payment Orders/Agreements;
16. the appointment of administrators; and
17. acting for office holders in relation to sales of businesses and assets.

• the defence of proceedings brought against a director under the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986; and

• applications for permission to continue to act as a director of a limited company notwithstanding disqualification or bankruptcy.