Suspension of payments

Definición

Suspension of payments is a temporary moratorium granted by the court to a debtor who foresees being unable to continue paying. It provides breathing space to restructure and continue as a going concern. Governed by the Bankruptcy Act, it suspends enforcement by ordinary (unsecured) creditors but does not bind secured or preferential creditors. Where restructuring fails, it frequently converts into bankruptcy.

Ejemplo

A manufacturer hit by a temporary cash crunch obtains suspension of payments to negotiate with creditors and avoid immediate bankruptcy.

Por qué es un riesgo para la empresa

When a counterparty is granted suspension of payments, ordinary creditors cannot enforce existing claims during the moratorium, which can disrupt your cash flow and delay recoveries indefinitely. The debtor remains in control of the business alongside a court-appointed administrator, and the outcome is uncertain: restructuring may succeed, but the moratorium often converts to bankruptcy. Businesses without a clear picture of their outstanding receivables and contract rights with the debtor are poorly positioned to protect their interests during the process.

Cómo gestionarlo

• As soon as a counterparty enters surseance, identify all outstanding claims and contracts with that party so you can assess your position quickly.
• Check whether your contracts contain ipso facto termination or suspension clauses triggered by insolvency proceedings, and whether those clauses will hold up under Dutch law.
• Retain independent legal advice early: creditor committees, proof of claim deadlines and restructuring votes require prompt action.
• Avoid supplying further credit or goods on open account to a debtor in surseance without securing additional protection such as prepayment or security.

Referencias legales

• Fw art. 214 Bankruptcy Act: suspension of payments

Salvo indicación en contrario, las referencias remiten al derecho neerlandés (Burgerlijk Wetboek, el Código Civil neerlandés); los instrumentos de la UE como el RGPD se aplican en toda la UE. Se trata de información general, no de asesoramiento legal. Otras jurisdicciones tratan estos conceptos de forma distinta. Verifique el texto vigente y su situación con un abogado cualificado.