Bankruptcy lawyer

Providing expertise in French legal practices, tailored guidance is available for international companies navigating the French market.

Legal guidance & support

Offering legal assistance to businesses in France, helping navigate the complexities of the French market.

Contracts & Agreements drafting

Services are provided for drafting and reviewing legal documents, as well as handling company incorporation formalities.

Representing your company

Representation for your company in legal proceedings is offered. Contact for more information about available services.

Are you looking for a bankruptcy lawyer in France?

French bankruptcy law is governed by the Code de Commerce and administered through the Tribunal de Commerce (Commercial Court). For foreign businesses and English-speaking individuals unfamiliar with the French legal system, the insolvency process can be disorienting — deadlines are strict, all proceedings are conducted in French, and procedural errors can have serious financial consequences.

LysLegal acts as your dedicated bankruptcy lawyer in France, advising and representing clients through every stage of insolvency proceedings — whether you are a debtor seeking legal protection, a creditor pursuing unpaid debts, or a director facing questions of personal liability.

English-speaking bankruptcy attorney in France

George Apostel is a bilingual FR-EN lawyer registered with the Paris Bar. As your bankruptcy attorney in France, he provides full legal representation in insolvency matters — from the initial assessment of a company’s financial position to formal representation before the Tribunal de Commerce. His expertise bridges the gap between French legal obligations and the expectations of international clients who need clear, reliable guidance in English throughout the process.

Whether you are a British company with a bankrupt French supplier, an American investor dealing with a dissolved business partner, or an individual in France facing personal over-indebtedness proceedings, LysLegal provides the specialist legal support you need.

Bankruptcy proceedings under French law

French insolvency law distinguishes between several distinct procedures, each with different legal consequences and timelines:

Procédure de sauvegarde (Safeguard procedure) — A preventive measure available to businesses experiencing financial difficulties but not yet in cessation of payments. It offers court protection while a restructuring plan is developed.
Redressement judiciaire (Judicial recovery) — Triggered when a company has ceased payments. The Commercial Court appoints an administrator to oversee a recovery plan aimed at preserving the business and jobs.
Liquidation judiciaire (Judicial liquidation) — Ordered when no viable recovery plan exists. The company is formally dissolved and its assets liquidated to repay creditors.
Surendettement (Personal over-indebtedness) — A separate procedure for individuals — not businesses — unable to meet personal debt obligations. Administered by the Banque de France, not the Commercial Court.
Creditor claims (Déclaration de créance) — Foreign creditors must file formal declarations of claim within strict court-imposed deadlines. Missing this window can result in losing all legal right to recover outstanding amounts.
Regardless of which procedure applies to your situation, acting quickly and with the right legal counsel significantly improves the outcome. LysLegal advises at every stage.

Would you like more information on how LYS Legal is able to help your business?

Call: 0033(0)172.605.300

Send an email to: [email protected]

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Legal assistance from George APOSTOL

From advising creditors on debt recovery to representing debtors before the Commercial Court, I assist clients at every stage of insolvency proceedings in France. As your bankruptcy lawyer, my role is to protect your legal interests, ensure procedural compliance, and provide honest, clear guidance in English — throughout what can be an overwhelming and high-stakes process.

Advising on available insolvency procedures and their legal consequences
Filing creditor claims (déclarations de créance) on behalf of foreign creditors
Representing companies and directors before the Tribunal de Commerce
Negotiating with court-appointed administrators (administrateurs judiciaires)
Advising directors on avoiding personal liability during insolvency proceedings
Advising shareholders, investors and lenders on their exposure in French bankruptcy cases
Acting for foreign businesses with a bankrupt French customer, supplier or partner

Whether your company is a creditor trying to recover unpaid invoices from a French business that has entered insolvency, or a business in France seeking to restructure under judicial supervision, LysLegal provides practical, bilingual legal support from the first consultation through to resolution.

Is your company affected by a bankruptcy procedure in France? Early legal advice is critical — the procedural deadlines in French insolvency law are strict and largely unforgiving. Contact us to discuss your situation confidentially.