Best Restructuring & Insolvency Lawyers in Burgdorf

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Burgdorf, Switzerland

5 people in their team
English
Clivia Wullimann & Partner is a Switzerland-wide law firm based in Grenchen, offering expert guidance across corporate and commercial matters, real estate and construction law, family and inheritance issues, and civil process and notarial services. The firm supports private individuals, small and...
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1. About Restructuring & Insolvency Law in Burgdorf, Switzerland

Restructuring and insolvency law in Burgdorf is primarily governed by federal statutes that apply across Switzerland, paired with cantonal administration. The central framework is the Debt Enforcement and Bankruptcy Act (Schuldbetreibungs- und Konkursgesetz, SchKG). This law sets out how debts are enforced, how insolvency is declared, and how procedures are supervised.

In practice, Burgdorf residents and businesses work with cantonal authorities to implement the federal rules. Insolvency proceedings are typically managed by cantonal courts and the local debt enforcement offices (Betreibungsamt) under the SchKG. The result can be either a restructuring process designed to salvage a business or a liquidation if recovery is not feasible.

Key concepts you may encounter include a pre-insolvency procedure (Vorinsolvenz) to enable early restructuring, an insolvency plan (Insolvenzplan) to outline a reorganization, and an insolvency administrator (Insolvenzverwalter) who oversees the process. Knowing these terms helps Burgdorf residents communicate effectively with counsel and authorities.

For residents of Burgdorf, engaging a lawyer early in the process can clarify options, identify costs, and help preserve value whether the aim is to restructure, liquidate, or protect employee and creditor interests.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

When facing debt challenges in Burgdorf, a lawyer can translate complex rules into practical steps tailored to your situation. Below are concrete scenarios where legal assistance is often essential.

  • A Burgdorf company with declining cash flow considers a Vorinsolvenz to restructure while operations continue. A lawyer helps prepare the pre-insolvency filing, drafts a plan, and coordinates with creditors.
  • A business owner wants an Insolvenzplan to reorganize debt, employees, and supplier agreements. A lawyer evaluates options, negotiates terms, and files the plan with the cantonal court.
  • A creditor in Burgdorf seeks to enforce a debt or to petition for insolvency proceedings. A lawyer ensures ruling timelines are met and protects creditor rights during the process.
  • An employee claims wage arrears or severance in a company undergoing restructuring. A lawyer advises on priority of wage claims and ensures compliance with local procedures and protections.
  • A Burgdorf firm has cross-border creditors or assets and needs to coordinate with Swiss insolvency law and international procedures. A lawyer handles cross-border recognition and cooperation issues.
  • A small business owner wants to understand costs and eligibility for pre-insolvency support versus formal insolvency. A lawyer provides a clear cost estimate and decision criteria.

3. Local Laws Overview

The Swiss system rests on federal laws applied in Burgdorf, with cantonal administration handling day-to-day procedures. The core statutes and regulations you will encounter include the following.

  • Schuldbetreibungs- und Konkursgesetz (SchKG) - the federal Debt Enforcement and Bankruptcy Act that governs how debts are pursued, when insolvency can be opened, and how assets are distributed. This law forms the backbone of both enforcement actions and insolvency proceedings in Burgdorf.
  • Verordnung über das Schuldbetreibungs- und Konkurswesen (SchKGV) - the implementing regulation that details procedural steps, filing requirements, and administrative steps under SchKG. The SchKGV guides cantonal authorities and practitioners in Burgdorf through day-to-day tasks like court submissions and creditor meetings.
  • Swiss Code of Obligations (Obligationenrecht, OR) and related provisions - governs contract formation, breach, and remedies that interact with insolvency, including how contracts are treated once insolvency proceedings commence.

Recent developments in Burgdorf and across Switzerland emphasize the availability of pre-insolvency instruments to enable early restructuring. These changes aim to preserve value, protect jobs, and reduce liquidation costs. For more context, official authorities highlight ongoing reforms that facilitate early rescue attempts and orderly restructurings.

Source: Swiss Federal Department of Justice and Police (EJPD) - Debt enforcement and bankruptcy overview. EJPD
Source: Bern Canton official information on debt enforcement and bankruptcy procedures. Bern Canton

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is SchKG and what does it cover in Burgdorf?

The SchKG is Switzerland's federal law for debt enforcement and bankruptcy. It sets the framework for how creditors collect debts and how insolvent entities are handled. In Burgdorf, cantonal authorities implement SchKG procedures under federal guidance.

How do I start pre-insolvency proceedings in Burgdorf under SchKG?

You typically file a request with the cantonal court supported by financial documents. A temporary stay or moratorium may be possible to give the business time to restructure. A restructuring attorney helps prepare the submission and negotiate with creditors.

What is an Insolvenzplan and how does it work in practice?

An Insolvenzplan is a court-approved plan to restructure a debtor while preserving value. It outlines creditor settlements, new financing, and operational changes. If accepted, it guides how obligations are restructured during insolvency proceedings.

How much does it cost to hire a restructuring lawyer in Burgdorf?

Costs vary by case complexity, duration, and the lawyer’s rate. Expect fees for initial consultations, document review, and ongoing representation through the restructuring or insolvency process. Many lawyers offer fixed or capped fees for defined stages.

How long does an insolvency process take in the Canton of Bern?

Timeline depends on complexity, creditor cooperation, and court schedules. Simple cases may conclude within several months, while complex restructurings can extend to a year or more. Your counsel can provide a more precise forecast after intake.

Do I need a lawyer to file for bankruptcy in Burgdorf?

While you can file independently in some circumstances, a lawyer reduces risk of missed deadlines and erroneous filings. An insolvency attorney also helps protect your rights and coordinate with the court and creditors.

What is the difference between debt enforcement and bankruptcy under SchKG?

Debt enforcement focuses on collecting concrete debts, often through asset seizures. Bankruptcy is a court-supervised process for the debtor as a whole, potentially allowing restructuring or liquidation under the Insolvenzplan or similar mechanisms.

Can a Vorinsolvenz moratorium protect the business from creditor actions?

Yes, in appropriate circumstances. A pre-insolvency moratorium can halt certain creditor actions to give time for restructuring negotiations. Counsel helps determine eligibility and coordinates with the court and creditors.

Are Swiss insolvency procedures accessible for cross-border companies?

Swiss insolvency law covers cross-border issues through cooperation with foreign courts and foreign creditor groups. An experienced lawyer can navigate recognition, cross-border filings, and asset coordination.

How are creditors paid during an insolvency in Burgdorf?

Creditors are paid from the debtor's assets under a statutory ranking. The insolvent estate is distributed according to priority, with secured and priority creditors often paid first, subject to the plan and court approval.

Can a company continue to operate during restructuring proceedings?

In many cases, a business can continue operating under court supervision and a restructuring plan. The goal is to preserve value while addressing debts, supplier contracts, and employee arrangements.

What should I prepare before meeting a Burgdorf insolvency lawyer?

Gather balance sheets, debt schedules, creditor lists, key contracts, employee information, and any prior communications with creditors. Organized records help the lawyer assess options quickly and provide accurate advice.

5. Additional Resources

6. Next Steps

  1. Assess your financial situation and collect documentation. Gather balance sheets, debt schedules, contracts, and creditor details. Time to assemble materials: 1-2 weeks.
  2. Consult a Burgdorf-based restructuring or insolvency lawyer for an initial assessment. Schedule a meeting within 1-3 weeks of deciding to seek advice.
  3. Identify the appropriate path (Vorinsolvenz, insolvency filing, or settlement negotiations). Your lawyer helps compare options and likely timelines.
  4. Prepare preliminary filings and any required creditor communications with the help of your lawyer. Expect a 2-6 week window for initial submissions depending on complexity.
  5. If applicable, request a moratorium or court supervision to stabilize operations during restructuring. This step is court-dependent and can take several weeks.
  6. Enter the chosen restructuring or insolvency process with ongoing legal support. Your lawyer coordinates with the court, creditors, and any appointed administrator.
  7. Review outcomes and adjust business plans or transition to liquidation if restructuring is not viable. Your counsel should provide a post-closure plan and compute costs and implications.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

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