Members' Voluntary Liquidation: Contingent Liabilities

Members' Voluntary Liquidation and Contingent Liabilities

A members voluntary liquidation (MVL) is an effective way to wind up the affairs of a company that is in good financial standing with its creditors. In order to enter into an MVL the directors of a company must draft a Declaration of Solvency -- a legal document which states that the directors have reviewed all company assets and liabilities, including contingent and prospective liabilities, and have determined that the company is in fact solvent and able to repay all existing debts within a period of no longer than 12 months.

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What are Contingent Liabilities?

A contingent liability is essentially a debt that might be incurred by a company depending on the outcome of a future Court proceeding. In other words, the existence of the liability is contingent upon a future event. However, such liabilities must be taken into account when determining whether or not a company is insolvent (unable to pay bills with no prospect of recovery) or solvent (able to repay debts as they fall due). If these liabilities are not considered you may run into problems during the liquidation procedure because after the Court rules on contingent liabilities your company may not have enough to repay all creditors and contributories.

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Contingent Liabilities Causing the Conversion of an MVL to a CVL

In a members voluntary liquidation contingent liabilities may present a problem if they are not taken into account before initiating the procedure. Overlooking such potential debts could create a situation in which the MVL has to be converted into a creditors' voluntary liquidation (CVL) because it is found that, contrary to the original conclusion, the company is actually insolvent. This would mean that the shareholders and members would not be receiving the proceeds of the liquidation sale (as they would be given to creditors), and in some cases the directors may face fines or even imprisonment for having swore on a false Declaration of Insolvency. 

During a members voluntary liquidation distribution of the company's realised assets is handled by the appointed liquidator. By law the liquidator must ensure that the company is in fact solvent throughout the MVL, even after creditors' contingent claims have been processed by the Court. The liquidator also must handle the valuations of all company liabilities to determine whether the realisation of assets will cover all existing and prospective debts.

Contingent liabilities come into play when a creditor submits a claim to the Court requesting repayment for a debt that is either disputed or not yet finalised. If the Court rules in favour of a creditor's claim then that debt would be counted against the overall balance of the liquidation account, which holds the proceeds of the liquidation sale.

If you have any questions about contingent liabilities as they relate to voluntary liquidation, or any other matters pertaining to business insolvency and recovery, feel free to contact us for free confidential advice. You can also reach our directors' hotline. We have an extensive network of 100+ offices offering confidential director support across the UK.