Validation Orders (s.127 Insolvency Act 1986)

We have the perfect skill set with which to assist companies facing frozen bank accounts. Our specialist insolvency solicitors & barristers seek to persuade the Court to grant Validation Orders. We will ensure you have the best possible chance of success in applying for a Validation Order.

What is a Validation Order?

Validation Orders are orders authorising the disposition of property made after the presentation of a winding-up or bankruptcy petition which would otherwise be void in the event of a winding-up or bankruptcy order being made. The legal departments of banks operating in the UK consider that ‘commencement’ is the date when a petition is advertised. The practical effect of the advertisement is that as soon as banks become aware of the winding up petition they ‘freeze’ the company’s bank accounts as they are wary that the liquidator could require them to make good any financial loss. This damages the company’s ability to continue trading and wages/salaries may be unpaid even when money is held to pay them. A company may have (or be able to receive) funds to pay a petitioning creditor, but cannot as the bank will not (accept or) release funds.effect of a validation order

The Effect of a Validation Order

A validation order will allow a company to continue to trade or perhaps dispose of a specific asset such as a property on the basis it has been determined these transactions are to the benefit of all creditors. The effect of validation order will vary dependant upon the terms of the order itself. A validation order can be specific to allow certain payments in or out only (such as to employees or to certain suppliers) to allow trading to continue usually for a specific period such as the next hearing of the underlying petition. Alternatively a validation order can be general to validate transactions generally until the winding up petition is resolved; this allows the company to carry on trade normally.

Requirements for a Validation Order Application?

An application needs to be supported by strong evidence and persuasive legal argument. Validation Orders can only be made following (1) an application to the Court and (2) the hearing of that application. A validation Order application will not be dealt with by the Registrar at the date of hearing stated on your winding up petition; you must apply to the Court and seek a hearing before a Judge. The court will need to be satisfied by credible evidence that the company is solvent and able to pay its debts as they fall due or that a particular transaction or series of transactions in respect of which the order is sought will be beneficial to or will not prejudice the interests of all the unsecured creditors.

The Chancellor of the High Court has issued a Practice Note on Validation Orders sought under sections 127 and 284 of the Insolvency Act 1986. The information required in the application will vary according to the circumstances and the nature of the relief sought, but is likely to include the following:

  • The company’s name, trading and registered office address;
  • The company’s nominal and paid up capital;
  • Brief background details of the circumstances leading to presentation of the petition;
  • Procedural history establishing how the company became aware of presentation of the petition;
  • Whether the petition debt is admitted or disputed and, if the latter, brief details of the basis on which the debt is disputed;
  • Full details of the company’s financial position including details of its assets (including details of any security and the amount(s) secured) and liabilities, which should be supported, as far as possible, by documentary evidence e.g. the latest filed accounts, any draft audited accounts, management accounts or estimated statement of affairs;
  • A cash flow forecast and profit and loss projection for the period for which the order is sought;
  • Details of the dispositions or payments in respect of which an order is sought;
  • The reasons relied on in support of the need for such dispositions or payments to be made;
  • Any other information relevant to the exercise of the court’s discretions;
  • Details of any consents obtained from the petitioning creditor (supported by documentary evidence where appropriate).
  • Where an application is made urgently to enable payments to be made which are essential to continued trading (e.g. wages) and it is not possible to assemble all the evidence listed above, the court may consider granting limited relief for a short period, but there should be sufficient evidence to satisfy the court that the interests of creditors are unlikely to be prejudiced.
  • Where the application involves a sale of property the court will need details of the property (including its title number if the property is land) and to be satisfied that any proposed disposal will be at a proper value. Accordingly an independent valuation should be obtained and exhibited to the evidence.

How might HMRC respond to a Validation Order?

If HMRC are the petitioning creditor they are likely to adopt a position on your company based on the purpose of the order and their attitude to your company which is dictated by the past payment relationship which we can assess with you. Generally HMRC’s response in these matters largely depends on the purpose for which the order is being sought and the trading history of the debtor company. HMRC may oppose an application if it would reduce the assets available for creditors. However they will need to balance this if the application is to release funds to allow payment of wages. Typically they will ask that payment of current PAYE/NIC is made on time. If the company needs to continue to trade or dispose of company property HMRC will need to consider if the position of creditors would be improved as result of granting the Validation Order.

Why use a Specialist Validation Order Solicitors?

The insolvency law and Court rules relating to Validation Orders are a technical minefield; as expert Validation Order solicitors we help our clients to avoid suffering the further trading losses as a result of frozen bank accounts. In addition, we assist by protecting the company’s interests and by negotiating with creditors and advising and representing the company at Court. Retaining insolvency solicitors and barristers in particular assists in dealings with creditors (such as HMRC) who will know a company is taking matters seriously and responsibly when they instruct ourselves.

Our Validation Order Solicitors get the best results

We endeavour to make the process as stress-free as possible for our clients and seek to eliminate the possibility of terminal business failure by loss of trading ability. We consider that each client’s case and business is unique, therefore we adopt a bespoke approach tailored to suit individual circumstances. We are a specialist City of London law firm made up of Solicitors & Barristers and based in the Middle Temple Inns of Court adjacent to the Royal Courts of Justice. We will be able to offer your company a fixed fee service to understand your circumstances then prepare, file and present a Validation Order application to the Companies Court at the Royal Courts of Justice (Rolls Building), or the relevant High Court District Registry or County Court with jurisdiction.

Company rescue and turnaround advice

We add value by our legal services by guiding clients as to how best companies can be rescued and turned around and how debts can be written off or restructured. We can advise on administration or proposals of either Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVAs) or Partnership and Individual Voluntary Arrangements (PVAs or IVAs). To achieve a company rescue you must act quickly; contact us as soon as possible. The more time available to build an alternative business plan, the more successful it is likely to be. If your company can be saved, whether this is achievable through restructuring or writing off debts, the team at LEXLAW Solicitors & Barristers can help by offering clear, practical and easy to understand advice which deciphers the Insolvency Rules and regime.

Book an Initial consultation to get advice

If you are seeking a Validation Order or have an insolvency matter and need urgent help, advice or representation we are able to assist. Just call or email us now; our Validation Order team are waiting to help. To contact us about your case please call us on: 0207 1830 529 or email us on: insolvency-validation [email protected]

Please note: If you have been served a winding-up petition do not delay in contacting us as your matter can be handled more effectively (and the need for a validation order possibly avoided) the sooner you contact us.

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You’ll receive strategic legal advice from a barrister and solicitor at your first fixed fee meeting.