Insolvency & Restructuring lawyers in New England & North West, NSW

What to discuss at the first meeting

Explain the entity, current debts and any demands, enforcement or appointment. Ask for advice that distinguishes the company’s position from the responsibilities and interests of directors or guarantors.

Legal advice and the role of an insolvency practitioner are distinct; clarify coordination and fees.

Working with a firm in New England & North West

For advice around Armidale, Tamworth, Moree and Gunnedah, distinguish personal matters from business or farm matters at the first enquiry. Land, a trading business and a family estate may involve different owners and documents.

For insolvency & restructuring, ask which parts of the work the firm handles itself and whether it has relevant NSW experience. Let the lawyer know if a property, employer, other party or existing proceeding is outside New England & North West. Your home address alone does not determine the applicable process.

How the engagement may progress

Explain the transaction, amount involved, parties and desired result. Provide the current agreement and relevant entity or trust details.
Ask which risks need legal, accounting, tax or technical advice. Identify essential terms and those you are willing to negotiate.
Agree who negotiates, approves documents and tracks continuing obligations. Clarify whether post-completion advice is included.

Fees and the scope of work

Request a defined scope or staged budget with assumptions about document review and negotiation rounds. Personal guarantees, tax and related disputes may need separate work.

Ask for a written scope identifying the work you are authorising, the person responsible and when costs will be reviewed. If you only want advice on one step, say so before the firm begins wider work.

Dates to raise at first contact

Highlight signing dates, finance conditions and demands. Raise an inability to meet debts immediately so appropriate advice can be identified before further commitments.

Questions to ask a insolvency & restructuring adviser

Who needs separate advice?

Courts and tribunals in New South Wales

In New South Wales, most criminal and minor civil matters start in the Local Court, with more serious matters in the District Court and Supreme Court. Tenancy, strata, consumer and guardianship disputes usually go to NCAT. Solicitors are licensed by the Law Society of New South Wales, and complaints about lawyers go to the Office of the Legal Services Commissioner.

Frequently asked questions

What is safe harbour?

Protection for directors from insolvent trading liability while they develop a course of action likely to lead to a better outcome.

Which courts hear cases from New England & North West?

Most matters start in the Local Court. More serious cases go to the District Court or the Supreme Court of NSW. Family law matters are heard by the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia.

How do I check a lawyer is licensed in New South Wales?

Practising certificates in New South Wales are managed by the Law Society of New South Wales. You can check a solicitor's status on its public register or by contacting it directly.

Insolvency & Restructuring lawyers in New England & North West

Scone Legal

Why insolvency & restructuring matters

The Australian context

A practical guide to insolvency & restructuring in New England & North West