Voluntary Surrender of Assets

Voluntary Surrender of Assets - A Path to Financial Fresh Start

Facing overwhelming debt can feel isolating. If you've reached a point where you can no longer meet your financial obligations, South African law offers a potential solution: Voluntary Surrender of your estate, also known as voluntary sequestration. This legal process allows you to proactively approach the court to declare your insolvency and seek relief.

At VDM Attorneys, we understand the stress and uncertainty that comes with financial difficulties. We can guide you through the complexities of voluntary surrender, ensuring you understand your rights and options every step of the way.

What is Voluntary Surrender?

Voluntary surrender is a formal application made to the High Court by an individual who is unable to pay their debts. Legally, you are considered insolvent when your liabilities (what you owe) exceed your assets (what you own). This process, governed by Section 6 of the Insolvency Act 24 of 1936, allows for a fair distribution of your remaining assets to your creditors.

When Might Voluntary Surrender Be the Right Option?

Voluntary surrender might be a viable option if:

• You are Insolvent: Your debts are significantly greater than the value of your assets.
• You Cannot Meet Your Financial Obligations: You are unable to make regular payments to your creditors.
• There are Sufficient Realisable Assets: Your estate has assets that can be sold to provide a meaningful benefit to your creditors (currently, the requirement is typically a minimum return of around 20 cents in the Rand, after covering the costs of sequestration).

The Voluntary Surrender Process with VDM Attorneys

Navigating the legal procedures of voluntary surrender requires meticulous attention to detail. VDM Attorneys will assist you with every step, including:

• Consultation and Assessment We will discuss your financial situation to determine if voluntary surrender is the most appropriate course of action for you.
• Drafting the Affidavit We will expertly draft the necessary affidavit explaining your insolvency and the reasons for it.
• Preparing Court Documents We will handle the preparation and issuing of all required legal documents at the High Court.
• Notice to Creditors and Public We will ensure the publication of the Notice of Surrender in the Government Gazette and a local newspaper within the legally mandated timeframe (no more than 30 days and no less than 14 days before the application date). We will also send copies of the notice to all known creditors, SARS, and relevant trade unions within seven days of publication.
• Statement of Affairs We will assist you in preparing a comprehensive Statement of Affairs (Form B), detailing your assets and liabilities, sworn under oath. This document will be available for creditor inspection at the Master's Office.
• Court Representation You will not need to appear in court. Our experienced advocates will represent you throughout the application process.
• Provisional and Final Orders We will guide you through the process of obtaining a provisional sequestration order, followed by the final sequestration order if no opposition is received from creditors.

Requirements for Voluntary Surrender

For the court to accept your voluntary surrender application, the following key requirements must be met:

• Insolvency:Your liabilities must exceed your assets.
• Advantage to Creditors The court must be satisfied that the sequestration will be to the advantage of your creditors, meaning they will receive a noticeable dividend from the sale of your assets.
• Sufficient Realisable Assets You must possess enough assets that can be sold to cover the costs of the sequestration process and provide the required benefit to creditors.
• Compliance with Formalities All statutory procedures and timelines outlined in the Insolvency Act must be strictly adhered to.

Consequences of Voluntary Surrender

Understanding the implications of voluntary surrender is crucial. Here are some key consequences:

Potential Benefits:

• Debt Relief You can potentially become debt-free after the sequestration process and subsequent rehabilitation.
• Protection from Creditors Once the provisional order is granted, creditors cannot take further legal action against you.
• A Fresh Financial Start Voluntary surrender can offer an opportunity to rebuild your financial life without the burden of overwhelming debt.

Important Considerations

• Loss of Assets You will lose control of your assets, which will be managed and sold by a court-appointed trustee to pay your creditors. Certain essential items like clothing, bedding, basic household furniture, and tools of trade may be exempt.
• Impact on Credit Rating Your credit record will be negatively affected, and you will likely struggle to obtain credit in the future until you are rehabilitated.
• Restrictions During the period of sequestration, you will face certain legal restrictions, such as limitations on holding certain positions (e.g., company director) and entering into credit agreements without the trustee's consent.
• Impact on Spouse If you are married in community of property, both your estates will be jointly sequestrated. If married out of community of property, your spouse's assets may also be affected, requiring them to prove ownership.

Rehabilitation:

• After a period of time or by applying to the court, you can become rehabilitated. Rehabilitation restores your legal standing, removes most of the restrictions of sequestration, and allows you to rebuild your financial life.

How VDM Attorneys Can Help You

Voluntary surrender is a significant legal decision with far-reaching consequences. It is essential to seek expert legal advice to fully understand the process and ensure all requirements are met. VDM Attorneys offers:

• Expert Legal Guidance - Our experienced insolvency attorneys will provide you with clear and comprehensive advice tailored to your specific situation.
• Professional Handling of Procedures - We will manage all the complex legal and administrative tasks involved in the voluntary surrender process, ensuring compliance with the Insolvency Act.
• Dedicated Support - We are committed to providing you with ongoing support and guidance throughout the entire process.

If you are struggling with unmanageable debt and considering voluntary surrender, contact VDM Attorneys today for a confidential consultation. We are here to help you explore your options and navigate the path towards a financial fresh start.

Contact VDM Attorneys today to discuss your situation and explore how voluntary surrender might be the right solution for you.