Best Restructuring & Insolvency Lawyers in Mar del Plata

1. About Restructuring & Insolvency Law in Mar del Plata, Argentina

Restructuring and insolvency matters in Argentina are governed primarily by national law, applicable across provinces including Mar del Plata. The key framework is the Ley de Concursos y Quiebras, commonly known as the Insolvency Law, which sets out processes for reorganizing debts or liquidating a debtor’s assets. Local practice in Mar del Plata is conducted through the provincial and national court system, following the same federal rules for individuals and companies alike.

In Mar del Plata, creditors and debtors typically engage in formal procedures such as concurso preventivo (preventive restructuring), acuerdos preventivos extrajudiciales (APEX), and, if necessary, quiebras (liquidity/liquidation). A restructuring plan may aim to preserve the business and maintain employment, while maximizing value for creditors. Understanding the regime helps you choose between negotiation, court-supervised restructuring, or liquidation when facing financial distress.

La Ley de Concursos y Quiebras regula la reorganización y liquidación de deudores comerciales en todo el territorio argentino, incluidas ciudades como Mar del Plata.

El Código Civil y Comercial de la Nación complementa el régimen de insolvencia con disposiciones sobre contratos, garantías y procedimientos aplicables a concursos y quiebras.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

In Mar del Plata, certain scenarios show why a lawyer with restructuring and insolvency expertise is essential. The examples below are concrete and grounded in local practice.

Scenario 1: Supplier pressure and looming default for a coastal hotel

A Mar del Plata hotel has fallen behind on supplier payments during the off-season. A local solicitor can evaluate whether a concurso preventivo or an APREX approach is appropriate, negotiate a debt schedule with creditors, and help secure supplier concessions to resume operations.

Without counsel, the business may face accelerated debt collection actions, possible court intervention, and disrupted bookings during peak season. A specialized attorney can map a phased plan that preserves the business and protects employees.

Scenario 2: Tourist industry business facing tax and social security arrears

A regional tour operator in Mar del Plata owes AFIP and provincial taxes. An insolvency attorney can assess options to reorganize liabilities, coordinate payment plans, and ensure compliance with tax authorities while safeguarding continuity of service.

Careful timing and a structured plan reduce the risk of penalties and forced liquidation while keeping customers and staff engaged.

Scenario 3: Family-owned fishing company needing debt restructuring

A fishing business relies on seasonal revenue and carries bank and supplier debt. A restructuring lawyer can advise on a concurso preventivo or an extrajudicial agreement with creditors to extend terms without halting operations at sea.

Local knowledge of port-related creditors and contracts helps tailor a feasible plan that aligns with seasonal cash flows.

Scenario 4: Individual debtor with mounting consumer debt seeking relief

An individual resident of Mar del Plata faces unsecured debts and wage garnishments. A lawyer can explain whether a concurso para personas físicas is viable and help prepare the required financial information for a potential plan or liquidation.

Engaging counsel early improves the chance of a fair restructuring or orderly liquidation that minimizes disruption to daily life.

Scenario 5: Small business with mixed local creditors seeking a faster path

A small retailer has creditors in Mar del Plata and nearby towns. An attorney can evaluate whether APEx offers a quicker, less costly alternative to formal concurso, while protecting the business's ongoing operations.

Choosing the right route reduces litigation risk and helps maintain employment and supplier relationships.

Scenario 6: Enterprise-wide crisis requiring a coordinated plan

A medium-sized company with multiple debt classes, including labor, tax, and financial creditors, needs a comprehensive plan. A restructuring attorney coordinates creditor negotiations, a court filing if needed, and the implementation of a recovery plan.

Having an advisor who can manage complex creditor interactions improves the probability of approval of a feasible plan and minimizes disruption.

3. Local Laws Overview

Below are the principal laws and regulations that govern restructuring and insolvency in Mar del Plata, Argentina. Each law shapes what options you have and how the process unfolds in practice.

Ley de Concursos y Quiebras (Ley N° 24.522) - Regulates reorganization and liquidation of insolvent debtors and the distribution of assets to creditors in both individual and corporate cases. The regime includes mechanisms for concursos preventivos and acuerdos extrajudiciales, with procedures in the commercial courts. Effective since the mid-1990s, with numerous reforms to adapt to economic conditions. For the current text and amendments, consult InfoLEG.

Codigo Civil y Comercial de la Nación (Ley N° 26994) - Governs general civil and commercial matters, including contract, obligations, and remedies relevant to insolvency proceedings. It coexists with Ley 24.522 to guide how contracts are treated in restructurings, safeguards for employees, and priority rules for payments during recovery plans. The Código replaced the previous civil code in 2015.

Ley de Sociedades Comerciales (Ley N° 19.550) - Establishes the form and governance of commercial companies, including reorganizational options for corporations and the rights of shareholders and creditors in restructurings. It remains a foundational framework for corporate entities undergoing financial distress.

Recent trends in Mar del Plata show higher utilization of Acuerdos Preventivos Extrajudiciales (APEX) and more proactive creditor negotiations to avoid formal competition proceedings. Local courts have also advanced electronic filing and document management to streamline solvency matters.

La Ley de Concursos y Quiebras busca preservar la continuidad de la empresa y optimizar el valor para acreedores cuando la empresa no puede pagar sus deudas en forma normal.

El Código Civil y Comercial de la Nación provee reglas sobre contratos, garantías y obligaciones aplicables durante los procesos de restructuración y liquidación.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is a concurso preventivo in Argentina?

A concurso preventivo es un procedimiento judicial para reestructurar deudas y continuar la actividad empresarial bajo supervisión. Su objetivo es proponer un plan viable para pagar a los acreedores sin liquidar la empresa.

How do I file a concurso in Mar del Plata?

El proceso se inicia ante el Juzgado Comercial de Mar del Plata. Presenta un pedido formal y un plan de reorganización, junto con estados financieros y listado de acreedores. Un abogado especializado te orienta en la documentación necesaria.

When should I hire a restructuring attorney in Mar del Plata?

Contrata cuanto antes cuando detectes deterioro de flujo de caja, demandas de acreedores o comunicaciones de AFIP. Un profesional puede evaluar opciones y evitar decisiones precipitadas.

Where are insolvency actions filed in Mar del Plata?

Las acciones se presentan en el Juzgado Comercial correspondiente a Mar del Plata, dentro del sistema judicial de la Provincia de Buenos Aires. El abogado coordina con la secretaría y los peritos necesarios.

Why hire a specialized insolvency attorney?

Un abogado con experiencia en concursos y quiebras entiende las normas, los plazos y las estrategias de negociación. Esto incrementa las probabilidades de aprobación de un plan y minimiza costos y demora.

Can individuals file for concurso in Argentina?

Sí, las personas físicas pueden solicitar concursos si cumplen con ciertos criterios de deuda y patrimonio. El objetivo es estructurar pagos o reducir obligaciones de forma ordenada.

Should I consider an Acuerdo Preventivo Extrajudicial (APEX)?

APEX puede ser más rápido y menos costoso que un concurso formal. Es recomendable cuando hay consenso entre la mayoría de acreedores y la empresa tiene viabilidad operativa.

Do I need a local lawyer in Mar del Plata or can I hire someone from Buenos Aires?

La experiencia local es valiosa por conocimiento de tribunales y prácticas regionales. Sin embargo, firmas con presencia en Buenos Aires pueden gestionar casos en Mar del Plata con apoyo local.

Is the process lengthy in Mar del Plata?

La duración varía por complejidad. En general, concursos pueden tardar de 6 a 18 meses, o más, si hay litigios o múltiples clases de acreedores.

How much does a restructuring lawyer cost in Mar del Plata?

Los honorarios dependen del caso, la complejidad y el régimen de cobro (horas, tarifa fija o retención). Pide un presupuesto detallado y un plan de pagos por fases.

What documents are needed to start a restructuring case?

Se solicita un estado financiero, lista de acreedores, contratos relevantes, documentos tributarios, balances, flujo de caja y un plan preliminar de reestructuración.

What is the difference between concurso preventivo and quiebras?

Concurso preventivo busca reorganizar deudas y mantener la empresa operativa. Quiebras implica liquidar activos para pagar acreedores, con posibilidad de venta y cierre de la empresa.

Do I need to report all assets to the court?

Sí, la declaración de activos y pasivos es parte integral del proceso. Ocultar información puede invalidar el plan y provocar sanciones.

5. Additional Resources

Use these official sources for authoritative guidance on insolvency and restructuring in Argentina, including Mar del Plata.

• InfoLEG - Official repository of Argentine laws and norms - Source for Ley de Concursos y Quiebras (Ley 24.522) and related amendments.
• Gobierno de Argentina - Justicia - National information on justice systems, civil and commercial proceedings, and reform initiatives.
• Poder Judicial de la Provincia de Buenos Aires - Justicia de la Provincia - Provincial court system information, including commercial and insolvency procedures relevant to Mar del Plata.

6. Next Steps

1. Define your goals and the financial distress you face. Gather financial statements, creditor lists, and key contracts. Set a realistic timeline for decision making.
2. Identify potential insolvency attorneys in Mar del Plata with a track record in concursos and APEx. Ask for examples, client references, and case outcomes.
3. Schedule initial consultations with at least two firms. Prepare a concise brief describing your business, debts, and preferred outcomes.
4. Ask each lawyer to explain available options (concurso preventivo, APEx, or liquidation) and provide a written engagement proposal with fees and timeline.
5. Decide on the restructuring path and sign a formal engagement letter. Confirm retainer terms, scope, and fiduciary duties to creditors.
6. File the chosen plan with the local court if required and coordinate with creditors. Monitor the process and adjust the plan as needed.
7. Review outcomes and ensure ongoing compliance. Maintain updated records and communicate any material changes to the court and creditors.