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Contentious Insolvency & litigation

Facing financial irregularities or suspected fraud within insolvency can be highly challenging. Not only can this cause significant financial loss, but it can also severely harm your organisation’s reputation and regulatory standing.

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Last Updated: 03/12/2025

At McTear Williams & Wood, our specialist contentious insolvency and fraud investigations team offers expert assistance in identifying, investigating, and resolving complex financial irregularities, protecting creditors’ interests, and maximising asset recovery.

What is contentious insolvency?

Contentious insolvency arises when disputes or allegations of misconduct are connected with insolvency proceedings. It involves investigating and litigating wrongful or fraudulent actions by directors, management, or associated parties that negatively impact creditors and stakeholders.

Common issues include:

  • Fraudulent trading
  • Transactions defrauding creditors
  • Unlawful dividends
  • Wrongful trading
  • Misfeasance
  • Undervalued transactions
  • Asset concealment and dissipation

Why choose McTear Williams & Wood to support you?

Specialist expertise – Our dedicated investigations team includes certified fraud examiners who specialise exclusively in contentious insolvency and fraud matters, providing focused expertise rarely found in general insolvency practices.

Comprehensive, tailored approach – We offer a complete, tailored service, including initial case reviews, forensic investigation, interviews under caution, legal action, and settlement negotiation. Every investigation is meticulously customised to achieve the best possible outcomes.

No-win, no-fee service – Unlike many insolvency practitioners, we require no upfront funding from creditors or third-party litigation funders. We assume the financial risk, ensuring our interests align completely with yours, our fees are only paid from successfully recovered assets.

Proven track record – We have consistently delivered outstanding outcomes, recovering substantial sums for creditors even in challenging cases, significantly exceeding original expectations.

Director & Head of Investigations

Mike is a Certified Fraud Examiner with over 35 years’ experience and Director, heading up the fraud investigations team. He specialises in all aspects of contentious insolvency as well as protecting the interests of creditors of insolvent companies and individuals.

Understand your financial options

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-Company health assessment
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How do we investigate contentious insolvency & fraud?

Our process is robust, transparent, and structured to maximise asset recovery efficiently:

Initial consultation and risk assessment – We begin with a comprehensive case evaluation, using advanced open-source intelligence and preliminary assessments to confirm the feasibility of asset recovery.

Forensic investigation Our investigators thoroughly examine financial records, bank statements, digital communications, and other relevant evidence to uncover fraudulent activities.

Interviews and examinations – We conduct formal interviews with key individuals and, if necessary, utilise court powers to compel attendance and truthful testimony under judicial supervision.

Legal proceedings – Working alongside solicitors and barristers who also work on a no win no fee basis, we pursue claims robustly through court actions, asset freezing, director disqualifications, and recovery proceedings.

Asset recovery – We employ sophisticated asset-tracing methodologies and recovery actions to ensure maximum returns to creditors.

Aligning our interests completely with yours, our fees are only paid from recoveries.

Free advice line for distressed company directors > 08003317417

Types of cases we handle

Our contentious insolvency services include:

  • Court-appointed receiverships
  • Provisional and compulsory liquidations
  • Public interest liquidations
  • Payroll and corporate fraud
  • Civil litigation
  • Anti-money laundering

If you suspect financial irregularities or fraud within your organisation that have caused its insolvency or need expert assistance with a related litigation matter, contact us today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation. Our dedicated team is here to help you protect and recover your assets.

Fully authorised in all insolvency procedures

In the UK, only licensed insolvency practitioners can take insolvency appointments. At McTear Williams & Wood’s, our insolvency practitioners are fully licensed and regulated under the Insolvency Act 1986. Acting as officers of the court, we uphold the highest ethical and professional standards, ensuring peace of mind and integrity throughout every case.

How can we help - Book a free 1-2-1

If your company is struggling with unmanageable debts, decreased cashflow or concerns about about your company’s future, we can assess your situation and provide you with tailored solutions and options.

During your free initial advice meeting, we will discover a true picture of your company’s financial situation
and offer practical and expert guidance on your next steps.

Initial meetings can be held at our office or your premises and are completely confidential.

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There is no charge for this meeting – charges only apply if and when terms of engagement have been agreed.

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BUSINESS RESCUE & INSOLVENCY SPECIALISTS

Download your free Directors' guide

This free, easy-to-read guide is designed to help directors whose company is in financial distress. It will assist directors to navigate around insolvency issues and avoid potential pitfalls, split over ten sections this guide walks you through the matters in a logical order you are
likely to need to consider.

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