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Insolvency Quick Check at a fixed price
A lawyer reviews your situation: are there grounds for insolvency, and is the deadline under § 15a InsO already running?
€169 fixed price, no follow-up costs without an order
Written assessment in 24 hours
3 weeks: filing deadline in case of illiquidity (§ 15a InsO)
Why Recht 24/7
Fast clarityin a crisis.
Discreet and confidential
As lawyers, we are bound by the statutory duty of confidentiality (§ 43a BRAO). Neither creditors nor banks will learn of your inquiry.
Advice within 24 hours
After you place your order, we check whether there are grounds for insolvency and whether the statutory deadline under § 15a InsO is already running.
Assessment by a lawyer
Your details are evaluated by a salaried lawyer, and we are liable for our advice.
What's included
What you get for €169
net plus VAT, no follow-up costs without an order
Review of whether there are grounds for insolvency and whether illiquidity exists
Classification of your company's legal starting position
Advice on the managing director's duties, the statutory obligations to act and deadlines, based on the data provided
Not included: Drafting the insolvency petition · Representation in insolvency proceedings · Restructuring advice and restructuring plans · Business going-concern forecast · Tax questions arising from the crisis are a matter for your tax advisor.
How it works
It's that simple.
4 steps, all online and without an office appointment.
Right away
You book the check and answer our structured questionnaire: liquidity, liabilities, due dates.
Within 24 hours
A lawyer evaluates your details. If anything is unclear, we ask targeted questions.
Assessment
You receive the written assessment: duty to file yes/no, options, deadlines.
Result
You know in black and white (based on the data you sent us) whether and by when you need to act.
Decision guide
Is this right for you?
A good fit if …
your company is putting off invoices, accounts are at their limit or you are doing the math at night: you need clarity fast on whether the company is insolvent. We explain your risks, for example under §§ 15a, 15b InsO.
Not a good fit if …
it is about your personal insolvency as a consumer: the Quick Check is tailored to companies and their managing directors. Or if the company is solvent and you just want to wind it up.
Alternative
Wind up a solvent company in an orderly way: liquidation for €479. A general legal question unrelated to a crisis: initial consultation for €169.
Learn moreGood to know
The 2 questions the Quick Check answers
1. Do I have to file for insolvency?
Based on the data provided, we check both grounds for filing: illiquidity (§ 17 InsO, the company cannot meet payment obligations that are due) and over-indebtedness (§ 19 InsO, the assets do not cover the liabilities and there is no positive going-concern forecast). In the case of illiquidity, you have at most 3 weeks to file; in the case of over-indebtedness, at most 6 weeks.
2. What am I personally liable for?
We explain your duties under § 15a InsO and the liability for prohibited payments under § 15b InsO. Delaying insolvency is a criminal offense that can carry a prison sentence of up to 3 years (§ 15a (4) InsO). We also show you which actions you should stop immediately to avoid further liability risks.
Why Recht 24/7
One law firm. No middlemen.
Our lawyers are employed by us, not brokered. Since 2003.
Lawyer Christina Schröder
founder and managing director of Recht 24/7
Salaried lawyers
Your situation is assessed by a lawyer at our law firm. We do not pass anything on to external law firms.
Fixed price up front
€169, no follow-up costs as long as you do not order anything else.
Advice in 24 hours
Written initial assessment based on the data you provide.
Insured up to €2.5 million
Professional liability insurance through HDI. For every case, without exception.
Clients since 2003
60,000+
supported on all legal matters.
Client rating
4.9/5
from 677 Trusted Shops reviews.
Insured amount
€2.5M
Professional liability cover for every matter.
Client stories
They worked with us. Here's what they say.
01 / 13
UG formation
Recht 24/7 helped us form a UG and working with them was excellent. Not only because they live up to their name, but also because they work through everything with you step by step. Questions were answered super quickly by a top-qualified lawyer, and the notary appointment was handled outstandingly fast.
Ahmed Sassi
Signum Label Marketing UG
Translated from German
Client reviews
What our clients say
4.89 out of 5 stars from 677 verified Trusted Shops reviews.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
04/29/2026
Translated from German
Very fast, very thorough, very professional! The fast and professional evaluation and assessment of my contract helped me make an informed decision. All around very fast, very thorough, very professional!
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract review, apartment purchase
02/11/2026
Translated from German
Expectations were exceeded! At first I was skeptical whether the online service would measure up to a personal conversation with a lawyer. But Recht 24/7 exceeded my expectations. Highly qualified staff, fast response times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/20/2026
Translated from German
Great experience, the processing happens in a truly unbeatable time. For me, with two orders, already in under 24 h, and that at a price that is completely unbeaten compared to the market.
Client via Trusted Shops · GmbH liquidation
01/28/2026
Translated from German
Support with the liquidation of a GmbH The responses always came very promptly, and my questions were answered clearly and understandably. My expectations were not only met but exceeded. Recommended without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions drafting
07/16/2026
Translated from German
A clear recommendation Drafting our terms and conditions went smoothly and very quickly. The price is more than fair compared to what our lawyer charges. I can recommend this way of having terms and conditions drafted without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions & data protection
03/04/2026
Translated from German
The terms and conditions, the privacy policy and the contract were drafted incredibly quickly and precisely. Naturally, a lawyer familiar with my field was chosen. The price-performance ratio is top.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
03/19/2026
Translated from German
Very fast response to all concerns with detailed and understandable answers. Recht 24/7 gave me the legal certainty I needed to act in a difficult situation. The costs were transparent and predictable at all times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Company formation
03/06/2026
Translated from German
Great support for founders Communication by email was fast and easy. My questions were answered competently and I was helped along with the individual steps.
Client via Trusted Shops · Trademark registration
03/31/2026
Translated from German
My application for a combined word/figurative mark was handled professionally, especially in choosing the name. This met my expectation of a successful registration of the trademark with the EUIPO.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal documents
03/18/2026
Translated from German
Fast and well-founded preparation of legal documents Very fast, yet clean and well-founded preparation of legal documents for my company. Communication takes place on an equal footing, which is often not a given.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
08/10/2026
Translated from German
I am pleasantly surprised that an online order is handled so quickly. And yet my individual case was not treated as standard; instead, its particularities were identified and taken into account.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
06/30/2026
Translated from German
Fast review of my service agreement It was reviewed with good tips, and I also received comprehensive help with two follow-up questions. The user interface is also very easy to use.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
07/21/2026
Translated from German
Fast, effective, human and professional. Recommended, 100%.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/29/2026
Translated from German
A prompt, competent and solution-oriented answer that fully met my expectations.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
04/29/2026
Translated from German
Very fast, very thorough, very professional! The fast and professional evaluation and assessment of my contract helped me make an informed decision. All around very fast, very thorough, very professional!
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract review, apartment purchase
02/11/2026
Translated from German
Expectations were exceeded! At first I was skeptical whether the online service would measure up to a personal conversation with a lawyer. But Recht 24/7 exceeded my expectations. Highly qualified staff, fast response times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/20/2026
Translated from German
Great experience, the processing happens in a truly unbeatable time. For me, with two orders, already in under 24 h, and that at a price that is completely unbeaten compared to the market.
Client via Trusted Shops · GmbH liquidation
01/28/2026
Translated from German
Support with the liquidation of a GmbH The responses always came very promptly, and my questions were answered clearly and understandably. My expectations were not only met but exceeded. Recommended without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions drafting
07/16/2026
Translated from German
A clear recommendation Drafting our terms and conditions went smoothly and very quickly. The price is more than fair compared to what our lawyer charges. I can recommend this way of having terms and conditions drafted without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions & data protection
03/04/2026
Translated from German
The terms and conditions, the privacy policy and the contract were drafted incredibly quickly and precisely. Naturally, a lawyer familiar with my field was chosen. The price-performance ratio is top.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
03/19/2026
Translated from German
Very fast response to all concerns with detailed and understandable answers. Recht 24/7 gave me the legal certainty I needed to act in a difficult situation. The costs were transparent and predictable at all times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Company formation
03/06/2026
Translated from German
Great support for founders Communication by email was fast and easy. My questions were answered competently and I was helped along with the individual steps.
Client via Trusted Shops · Trademark registration
03/31/2026
Translated from German
My application for a combined word/figurative mark was handled professionally, especially in choosing the name. This met my expectation of a successful registration of the trademark with the EUIPO.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal documents
03/18/2026
Translated from German
Fast and well-founded preparation of legal documents Very fast, yet clean and well-founded preparation of legal documents for my company. Communication takes place on an equal footing, which is often not a given.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
08/10/2026
Translated from German
I am pleasantly surprised that an online order is handled so quickly. And yet my individual case was not treated as standard; instead, its particularities were identified and taken into account.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
06/30/2026
Translated from German
Fast review of my service agreement It was reviewed with good tips, and I also received comprehensive help with two follow-up questions. The user interface is also very easy to use.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
07/21/2026
Translated from German
Fast, effective, human and professional. Recommended, 100%.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/29/2026
Translated from German
A prompt, competent and solution-oriented answer that fully met my expectations.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/29/2026
Translated from German
A prompt, competent and solution-oriented answer that fully met my expectations.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
07/21/2026
Translated from German
Fast, effective, human and professional. Recommended, 100%.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
06/30/2026
Translated from German
Fast review of my service agreement It was reviewed with good tips, and I also received comprehensive help with two follow-up questions. The user interface is also very easy to use.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
08/10/2026
Translated from German
I am pleasantly surprised that an online order is handled so quickly. And yet my individual case was not treated as standard; instead, its particularities were identified and taken into account.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal documents
03/18/2026
Translated from German
Fast and well-founded preparation of legal documents Very fast, yet clean and well-founded preparation of legal documents for my company. Communication takes place on an equal footing, which is often not a given.
Client via Trusted Shops · Trademark registration
03/31/2026
Translated from German
My application for a combined word/figurative mark was handled professionally, especially in choosing the name. This met my expectation of a successful registration of the trademark with the EUIPO.
Client via Trusted Shops · Company formation
03/06/2026
Translated from German
Great support for founders Communication by email was fast and easy. My questions were answered competently and I was helped along with the individual steps.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
03/19/2026
Translated from German
Very fast response to all concerns with detailed and understandable answers. Recht 24/7 gave me the legal certainty I needed to act in a difficult situation. The costs were transparent and predictable at all times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions & data protection
03/04/2026
Translated from German
The terms and conditions, the privacy policy and the contract were drafted incredibly quickly and precisely. Naturally, a lawyer familiar with my field was chosen. The price-performance ratio is top.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions drafting
07/16/2026
Translated from German
A clear recommendation Drafting our terms and conditions went smoothly and very quickly. The price is more than fair compared to what our lawyer charges. I can recommend this way of having terms and conditions drafted without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · GmbH liquidation
01/28/2026
Translated from German
Support with the liquidation of a GmbH The responses always came very promptly, and my questions were answered clearly and understandably. My expectations were not only met but exceeded. Recommended without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/20/2026
Translated from German
Great experience, the processing happens in a truly unbeatable time. For me, with two orders, already in under 24 h, and that at a price that is completely unbeaten compared to the market.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract review, apartment purchase
02/11/2026
Translated from German
Expectations were exceeded! At first I was skeptical whether the online service would measure up to a personal conversation with a lawyer. But Recht 24/7 exceeded my expectations. Highly qualified staff, fast response times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
04/29/2026
Translated from German
Very fast, very thorough, very professional! The fast and professional evaluation and assessment of my contract helped me make an informed decision. All around very fast, very thorough, very professional!
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/29/2026
Translated from German
A prompt, competent and solution-oriented answer that fully met my expectations.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
07/21/2026
Translated from German
Fast, effective, human and professional. Recommended, 100%.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
06/30/2026
Translated from German
Fast review of my service agreement It was reviewed with good tips, and I also received comprehensive help with two follow-up questions. The user interface is also very easy to use.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
08/10/2026
Translated from German
I am pleasantly surprised that an online order is handled so quickly. And yet my individual case was not treated as standard; instead, its particularities were identified and taken into account.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal documents
03/18/2026
Translated from German
Fast and well-founded preparation of legal documents Very fast, yet clean and well-founded preparation of legal documents for my company. Communication takes place on an equal footing, which is often not a given.
Client via Trusted Shops · Trademark registration
03/31/2026
Translated from German
My application for a combined word/figurative mark was handled professionally, especially in choosing the name. This met my expectation of a successful registration of the trademark with the EUIPO.
Client via Trusted Shops · Company formation
03/06/2026
Translated from German
Great support for founders Communication by email was fast and easy. My questions were answered competently and I was helped along with the individual steps.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
03/19/2026
Translated from German
Very fast response to all concerns with detailed and understandable answers. Recht 24/7 gave me the legal certainty I needed to act in a difficult situation. The costs were transparent and predictable at all times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions & data protection
03/04/2026
Translated from German
The terms and conditions, the privacy policy and the contract were drafted incredibly quickly and precisely. Naturally, a lawyer familiar with my field was chosen. The price-performance ratio is top.
Client via Trusted Shops · Terms and conditions drafting
07/16/2026
Translated from German
A clear recommendation Drafting our terms and conditions went smoothly and very quickly. The price is more than fair compared to what our lawyer charges. I can recommend this way of having terms and conditions drafted without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · GmbH liquidation
01/28/2026
Translated from German
Support with the liquidation of a GmbH The responses always came very promptly, and my questions were answered clearly and understandably. My expectations were not only met but exceeded. Recommended without reservation.
Client via Trusted Shops · Legal advice
06/20/2026
Translated from German
Great experience, the processing happens in a truly unbeatable time. For me, with two orders, already in under 24 h, and that at a price that is completely unbeaten compared to the market.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract review, apartment purchase
02/11/2026
Translated from German
Expectations were exceeded! At first I was skeptical whether the online service would measure up to a personal conversation with a lawyer. But Recht 24/7 exceeded my expectations. Highly qualified staff, fast response times.
Client via Trusted Shops · Contract check
04/29/2026
Translated from German
Very fast, very thorough, very professional! The fast and professional evaluation and assessment of my contract helped me make an informed decision. All around very fast, very thorough, very professional!
Our awards and reviews reflect the highest level of client satisfaction.
At a glance
Insolvency Quick Check: the essentials
The duty to file for insolvency: what managing directors need to know
The duty to file for insolvency is the sharpest liability trap in German company law. It applies personally to managing directors of a GmbH or UG: if you file too late, you pay from your personal assets and commit a criminal offense. At the same time, the law is more precise than many managing directors believe: not every payment delay triggers the duty.
The two grounds for filing
Illiquidity (§ 17 InsO) exists when the company can no longer meet its payment obligations that are due. The courts work with a rule of thumb: a liquidity gap of 10% or more that cannot be closed within 3 weeks constitutes illiquidity. Over-indebtedness (§ 19 InsO) exists when the assets no longer cover the liabilities and there is no positive going-concern forecast for the next 12 months. The forecast is the lever: a company that is over-indebted on paper but has secured financing is not required to file.
The deadlines are shorter than they sound
3 weeks for illiquidity, 6 weeks for over-indebtedness (§ 15a InsO). Both are maximum deadlines for restructuring attempts with a realistic chance of success. If you let the weeks pass without serious restructuring efforts, you breach the duty even before the deadline expires. And the deadline starts when the grounds for insolvency objectively arise, not when the managing director notices them.
What is prohibited after insolvency
From the moment the grounds for insolvency arise, the managing director is liable for payments that are not consistent with the care of a prudent business manager (§ 15b InsO). What keeps the business running for the proceedings remains permitted; what favors individual creditors or lets assets drain away is prohibited. On top of that come the classic cases of personal liability: withheld employee social security contributions (§ 266a StGB) and wage tax not paid over.
Options beyond standard insolvency
Acting early opens up routes that are closed later: out-of-court settlements with creditors, subordination agreements to eliminate over-indebtedness, restructuring under StaRUG for companies that are not yet illiquid, and self-administration, in which management steers the proceedings itself. All of these instruments have one thing in common: they only work with lead time.
Why a Quick Check instead of waiting
Most liability cases arise not from bad intent, but from uncertainty: the managing director hopes for the next incoming payment and loses weeks. An initial legal assessment for €169 clarifies within 24 hours, based on your details, whether there are grounds for insolvency and which deadlines are running.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions.
Not listed? Write to us using the contact form.
€169 net as a fixed price. There are no follow-up costs as long as you do not order anything else. If insolvency proceedings follow later, there will be the court fee advance for the insolvency petition (depending on the case) and the insolvency administrator's fee. The fee is paid from the insolvency estate.
Within 24 hours of receiving the completed questionnaire. If your 3-week deadline is already running, tell us: we will then prioritize your case.
When it cannot meet payment obligations that are due (§ 17 InsO). The courts assume illiquidity if a liquidity gap of 10% or more cannot be closed within 3 weeks. A mere payment stoppage is not yet illiquidity: this is exactly the distinction we check.
The assets no longer cover the existing liabilities (§ 19 InsO). The going-concern forecast is decisive: if financing for the next 12 months is more likely than not, there are no grounds for filing despite over-indebtedness on paper.
Without culpable delay, and no later than 3 weeks after illiquidity occurs and 6 weeks after over-indebtedness occurs (§ 15a InsO). These are maximum deadlines: if you know for sure that a restructuring will not succeed, you must file immediately.
Personal liability for payments made after insolvency (§ 15b InsO), civil liability toward creditors, a criminal offense punishable by up to 3 years in prison (§ 15a (4) InsO) and a possible ban on acting as a managing director. That is why a quick review is so important.
Once the company is insolvent, as a rule only payments that are consistent with the care of a prudent business manager, for example to keep operations running. The managing director must personally reimburse improper payments. In the Quick Check, we explain the liability for prohibited payments under § 15b InsO.
Employees' social security contributions must be paid over: withholding them is a criminal offense (§ 266a StGB) and leads to personal liability.
Often, yes: through agreements with creditors, subordination agreements, shareholder loans with subordination or a restructuring under StaRUG (the German restructuring act). The prerequisite is that the company is not yet illiquid or that illiquidity can be remedied. The Quick Check shows you whether grounds for insolvency already exist.
Insolvency proceedings in which management remains in office under the supervision of a custodian (§§ 270 et seq. InsO) and the company is restructured instead of broken up. It requires early filing and good preparation.
Yes. As lawyers, we are bound by the statutory duty of confidentiality (§ 43a BRAO). Neither creditors, banks nor the court will learn of your inquiry.
The duty to file under § 15a InsO applies to entities with limited liability: GmbH, UG, AG and GmbH & Co. KG. Sole proprietors have no duty to file under § 15a InsO. State the legal form in the questionnaire.
For the numbers, yes: liquidity planning, the over-indebtedness statement and the tax consequences of the crisis call for lawyer and tax advisor to work together. We tell you which documents we need from your tax advisor.
