Insolvency Flashcards
What is insolvency?
When a person or business is unable to pay their debts
What if a business does not have distinct legal personality?
The individuals (partners / sole traders) are personally liable for the debt
What three options does an individual have when facing insolvency?
Negotiate with creditors
Enter into an Individual Voluntary Agreement (IVA)
Declare bankruptcy
What is the common downside with negotiating with creditors?
It is often not binding on the creditor - no consideration - could still ask for payment on the original terms
What is an IVA?
Negotiated agreement between debtor and all of their creditors
What is the benefit of an IVA?
It is binding on the creditors
What is the first thing an insolvency practitioner will do before getting an IVA?
Make an application for an interim order to give the debtor breathing space to calculate their assets
What percentage of creditors have to agree to an IVA?
Those representing 75% of the value
What if a debtor tries to mislead regarding the IVA?
The creditors can apply to make them bankrupt
What are the three ways a bankruptcy order can be made?
Debtor can apply online
Unsecured creditors owed at least £5k can petition for the debtors bankruptcy
An insolvency practitioner can petition for their bankruptcy for breaching IVA
How can a creditor demonstrate a debtors bankruptcy?
By issuing a statutory demand that gives them 21 days to pay or come up with an arrangement to pay
What is exempted from a bankrupts estate?
Assets needed for day-to-day living, such as furniture and any tools required for their job
What happens regarding a bankrupts salary?
They are allowed to keep an amount to reasonably cover their living expenses - amounts above this go to the creditors
What is the order over a bankrupts salary called?
An income payment order
How long does an income payment order last?
Up to three years
What is the situation regarding a bankrupts home?
Interest in it will pass to the trustee
What does the court consider when considering an order or possession and sale?
Other people with an interest in the property
Whether there are any minors etc
What happens after a year regarding a bankrupts home?
The interests of the creditors take priority
What restrictions are placed on a bankrupt?
Cannot:
apply for credit of more than a prescribed amount;
Act as a company director;
Be a partner; or
Trade under another name without disclosure of the bankruptcy
What is the order of priority for creditors?
1) costs of the bankruptcy;
2) preferential debts (that is, holiday pay due to employees and wages of employees due in the last four months and HMRC etc);
3) ordinary unsecured creditors; and
4) postponed creditors (spouse or civil partner)
What happens if there is not enough to satisfy all the creditors at one level?
The debts will abate equally
A bankruptcy is usually discharged after how many years?
1
Why may a bankruptcy not be discharged after a year?
If they don’t comply with the restrictions and/or
They caused the bankruptcy by their own dishonesty, negligence, or recklessness (culpable bankrupts)
How long can a culpable bankruptcy last?
Up to 15 years
What happens if an individual partner in a partnership at will is declared bankrupt?
Partnership is dissolved
Trustee will receive any money due to the partner to satisfy their creditors
What happens if an individual partner in a general partnership that is not a partnership at will is declared bankrupt?
Partnership will continue and, usually the remaining partners will purchase the insolvent partner’s interest from the trustee in accordance with the retirement provisions in the partnership agreement