Bankruptcy & Insolvency Lawyers Melbourne & Gold Coast

Clear, commercially focused advice for individuals, companies, and directors facing financial difficulty. We also act for liquidators, administrators, receivers, and bankruptcy trustees.

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Who we work with

Individuals facing financial difficulty: If you're dealing with mounting debts, creditor demands, or the threat of bankruptcy, we help you understand your options and take the right steps to protect your position.

Company directors and business owners: When a business is under financial pressure, the decisions you make early on matter. We provide strategic advice on your obligations, your exposure, and the best path forward.

Liquidators, administrators, receivers, and bankruptcy trustees: We act for insolvency practitioners on voidable transaction claims, insolvent trading proceedings, asset recovery, and all aspects of external administration.

What we help with 

  • Voidable transaction and insolvent trading claims (acting both for and against liquidators and bankruptcy trustees)

  • Commercial advice and strategy for financially distressed companies and individuals

  • Voluntary administrations

  • Liquidations (creditors' voluntary and court-ordered)

  • Receiverships

  • Personal bankruptcy

  • Part IX Debt Agreements

Our bankruptcy and insolvency lawyers have significant experience across a wide range of matters, including:

  • Director penalty notices and personal liability

  • Disputes relating to security interests over real and personal property, including mortgages, caveats, and the Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR)

  • Proof of debt disputes

  • Creditor negotiations and informal workout arrangements

  • Safe harbour advice for directors

What the process looks like

Step 1. Tell us what's going on: Get in touch by phone or email. We'll listen to your situation, understand the financial pressures you're facing, and give you an honest assessment of where things stand.

Step 2. We explain your options clearly: You'll receive straightforward advice on the available pathways, whether that's restructuring, negotiation with creditors, formal administration, or defending a claim. We'll outline the risks and benefits of each.

Step 3. We agree on a plan and confirm costs: Once you've decided on a direction, we scope the work, confirm transparent pricing, and move quickly to protect your position.

Step 4. We act on your behalf: Your lawyer manages the process, whether that's negotiating with creditors, responding to claims, advising on administration, or running proceedings. You'll be kept informed at every stage.

Step 5. Resolution and next steps: Once the matter is resolved, we confirm the outcome and advise on any ongoing obligations, compliance requirements, or steps to protect your position going forward.

Facing financial difficulty or an insolvency matter?

The earlier you get advice, the more options you have. Talk to one of our insolvency lawyers today for a clear assessment of your situation and a practical plan forward.

Melbourne Office: Level 3, 420 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Gold Coast Office: Level 2, 194 Varsity Parade, Gold Coast QLD 4228

Phone: (03) 9647 2050

Email: admin@tmcollins.com.au

We aim to respond to all enquiries within one business day.

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  • Insolvency means being unable to pay debts as they fall due. Bankruptcy is a formal legal process that applies to individuals. For companies, insolvency can lead to voluntary administration, liquidation, or receivership. We advise on all of these.

  • Get legal advice as soon as possible. Directors have personal obligations when a company is insolvent or approaching insolvency, including potential liability for insolvent trading. Early advice gives you more options and helps you manage your exposure.

  • In many cases, yes. There are alternatives to bankruptcy, including Part IX Debt Agreements, informal arrangements with creditors, and restructuring options. We'll assess your situation and help you explore every available pathway before considering formal bankruptcy.

  • It depends on the complexity of your situation. We provide transparent pricing upfront and can discuss fixed-fee or staged arrangements depending on the matter. Get in touch and we'll give you a clear idea of costs from the outset.

FAQs on Bankruptcy & Insolvency

  • A voidable transaction is a payment or transfer made by a company or individual before insolvency that a liquidator or trustee can claw back. This includes unfair preferences and uncommercial transactions. We act both for and against liquidators and trustees in these claims.

  • Yes. We regularly act for insolvency practitioners, including liquidators, administrators, receivers, and bankruptcy trustees, on asset recovery, voidable transactions, insolvent trading claims, and other aspects of external administration.

  • A director penalty notice is issued by the ATO and can make directors personally liable for unpaid company tax debts, including PAYG withholding and superannuation guarantee charges. If you've received one, it's important to get legal advice quickly as there are strict timeframes to respond.