Practice Area
Financial distress needs clear thinking, quick action and realistic advice. Whether the problem is personal debt, a creditor petition, a statutory demand, or a company that may no longer be able to trade safely, the wrong step can make the situation materially worse. Vitt Legal advises Melbourne individuals, directors, companies and creditors on personal insolvency, corporate distress, bankruptcy and restructuring-related disputes.
Financial pressure needs early, practical legal advice
We help Melbourne individuals and businesses understand insolvency risk, respond to demands and choose the most workable path forward.
Frequently Asked Questions About Insolvency & Restructuring
Yes, if a Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA) is agreed upon, the company can restructure and continue operations, aiming for a better outcome than immediate liquidation.
During bankruptcy, you must request permission from your trustee to travel overseas. It's an offence to travel without written consent, and your trustee may ask for further details to consider your request.
In Australia, the primary corporate insolvency procedures include:
- Liquidation: Winding up the company's affairs and distributing assets to creditors.
- Voluntary Administration: Appointing an external administrator to assess options for the company's future.
- Receivership: A secured creditor appoints a receiver to recover owed funds.
Bankruptcy is a legal process where individuals declare their inability to repay debts. It allows for the discharge of most debts after a specified period, typically three years, but may involve the sale of assets and can impact credit ratings and future financial opportunities.
Employees may be entitled to outstanding wages, leave, and other entitlements. If company funds are insufficient, the Fair Entitlements Guarantee (FEG) scheme may provide assistance.
Bankruptcy can affect your ability to obtain future credit. If you apply for credit over a set amount, you must inform the credit provider of your bankruptcy. Additionally, your name will permanently appear on the National Personal Insolvency Index (NPII), a searchable public register listing insolvency proceedings in Australia.
Voluntary administration involves appointing an external administrator to assess the company's financial situation and recommend options, such as restructuring or liquidation, to maximize returns for creditors.
Consequences of bankruptcy include:
- Your name permanently appearing on the National Personal Insolvency Index (NPII).
- Potential restrictions on overseas travel without trustee consent.
- Possible sale of certain assets to repay creditors.
- Impact on credit rating and future borrowing capacity.
Liquidation is the process of winding up a company's financial affairs, selling its assets, and distributing the proceeds to creditors. This process leads to the company's dissolution.
A PIA allows for a flexible arrangement to settle debts without the formalities of bankruptcy. Unlike bankruptcy, a PIA does not automatically disqualify you from managing corporations, and you may retain control over your assets, subject to the agreement's terms.
Free Tools for Insolvency & Restructuring
Use our free interactive tools to get quick estimates, check deadlines, and understand your options — no account required.
Statutory Demand 21-Day Checker
Check your 21-day deadline, assess set-aside grounds, and understand your options — for receiving or issuing a demand.
Use free toolDebt Recovery Route Selector
Find the best path to recover a business debt — letter of demand, statutory demand, SOP claim, court action, or mediation.
Use free toolLegal Matter Cost & Timeline Estimator
Get a stage-by-stage cost and timeline estimate for your legal matter.
Use free toolThese tools provide general information only and are not a substitute for legal advice. View all 14 free tools →
Related Practice Areas
Legal matters often span multiple areas. Explore these related practice areas that frequently intersect with insolvency & restructuring.
Expert Legal Help
Financial pressure needs early, practical legal advice
We help Melbourne individuals and businesses understand insolvency risk, respond to demands and choose the most workable path forward.

