What Is Involved When Reinstating A Company

By Carl Kelly


There are various reasons why companies are struck off the register of companies. To begin with, it is something that could be done on a voluntary basis, something that could be because the directors do not need the business anymore. That will require that they fill all necessary documents. The other reason could be because such statutory documents as annual accounts are not filled correctly or within the required time. You could also have a business being de-registered because it has gone into liquidation. In considering reinstating a company a number of things should be considered.

After a company gets deregistered, if there are any assets which were owned, they will be passed to the crown. The only way you can have those assets retrieved will be by making an application so that the firm gets restored. A company that is struck off the register of companies does not exist as a legal entity. That means it is not able to trade or enter into any contracts. It cannot also own assets.

There are various other reasons why one might want to have their company restored. For instance, it could be that the business had title to some asset, for instance money in the bank or some physical property. Such property might be important and thus should be recovered, which will need the business to get restored. Reinstatement could also be required when one is a third party with unresolved claims against dissolution of the company and hence must take action in order to get compensated.

Depending on the way that business was de-registered, there are several ways of having it restored. The two main methods are through administrative restoration and through court processes. The methods are very varied as regards the complexity, costs and time. You also need to note that some situations will require specific methods. If for instance the business was voluntarily struck off, you will only get to restore it via a court process.

There is usually the need for an attorney for the proceedings. Court order reinstatement can particularly be time sensitive and complicated. It is a process that involves having to liaise with the registrar of companies, government legal department and courts. In some cases, liquidators, tax advisers, creditors and accountants are also involved.

The process also involves drafting of legal documents such as claim forms and witness statements. Owing to the very strict nature of having a business reinstated, you will need an attorney to prepare all documents which will be needed. The documents are then issued to the right parties and within the agreed time. The client will not worry about whether the process was done in the right way.

The fee which will be charged will depend on what method one uses. A number of attorneys charge a flat fee. Others also have other structures. When you are searching for an attorney, you should know what they will be charging.

You will need to be versed with disbursements. These are fees charged by a third party. They will include fees paid to government departments as well as court fees. Such fees will be collected from all relevant third parties and paid on behalf of a client.




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