Finances, debt and compensation
Get help with debt restructuring
Debt restructuring may help people with severe, long-term debt regain control of their finances and eventually be released from the debts included in the process. Our lawyers help you assess your situation, prepare your application to the Swedish Enforcement Authority, and address legal issues that arise during the proceedings.
- Response within one business day
- Experienced lawyers
- Online, wherever you are
What is debt restructuring?
Debt restructuring is intended for people who are so deeply in debt that they cannot reasonably be expected to repay what they owe for many years. If your application is approved, you receive a decision stating how much you must pay and which debts are included.
Your payments are based on your finances and ability to pay. You are allowed to keep enough money to cover the reasonable living expenses of you and your family. If you have no payment capacity, your payment plan may require no payments.
Debt restructuring under Swedish law normally lasts five years, although the payment plan may be shorter in some cases. During this period, you must follow the decision and report significant changes in your financial circumstances.
Requirements for debt restructuring
The Swedish Enforcement Authority makes an individual assessment of each application. Two central questions are whether you will be unable to repay your debts for the foreseeable future and whether granting debt restructuring would be reasonable in light of your personal and financial circumstances.
The assessment may consider factors such as:
- the amount of debt in relation to your income and assets
- how and when the debts arose
- the steps you have taken to improve your finances
- how you have cooperated during the proceedings
- whether you have continued to incur new debt
There is no fixed minimum amount of debt that automatically qualifies you. The decision depends on your overall financial position and future ability to pay.
How to apply for debt restructuring
Your application must provide a complete and accurate account of your financial circumstances. This normally includes:
- all debts, including debts owed to individuals and foreign creditors
- income, housing costs, and other necessary expenses
- assets and other relevant financial information
- the steps you have taken to address your debts
The Swedish Enforcement Authority first determines whether there are grounds to initiate debt restructuring. An initial decision does not mean that the application has received final approval. The authority continues its investigation before issuing a final decision.
If your application is denied, you may appeal the decision to the district court. The appeal normally must be submitted within three weeks of the decision.
Debt restructuring for business owners
Business owners, former business owners, and certain people closely connected to a business owner may qualify for a separate form of debt restructuring. This process has specific requirements and normally includes a three-year payment plan.
The appropriate process depends on your connection to the business, the background of the debts, and your current financial position. Our lawyers help you determine which rules apply to your situation.
How we can help you
We guide you through the debt restructuring matter, from assessing your circumstances to preparing the application and communicating with the authorities.
Assessing your eligibility
We review your financial and personal circumstances and explain how the requirements may affect your application.
Preparing your application
We help organize the information, describe the relevant circumstances, and prepare a clear and complete application.
Responding to requests
We help you answer questions, provide requested documents, and respond to information submitted by creditors.
Denials and appeals
If your application is denied, we review the reasons and help you assess and prepare an appeal.
Get legal help with debt restructuring
Schedule a 15-minute meeting with a lawyer to review and discuss your situation.
If you need further assistance, we’ll explain your options, how we can assist you, and what it would cost. If you hire us for your case, the cost of the first 15 minutes will be deducted from your final bill.
Talk to a lawyer
15-minute legal consultation
A brief meeting for quick guidance. Get answers to your questions, understand your rights and options, and learn how to move forward.
Need more help? You can also schedule a longer meeting with a lawyer for assistance with a specific task or a more complex situation.
Concerned about the cost? In some cases, part of the cost may be covered by legal expenses insurance or legal aid. We also offer payment plans through Klarna. Learn more about costs and financing →
Get help from our lawyers
Book an appointment with one of our lawyers when you need help assessing the requirements, preparing your application, responding to a request, or appealing a decision.
Aleksandar Milic
Consulting lawyer
Aleksandar Milic specializes in business law and family law and also serves as legal counsel in LVU cases. He speaks Swedish, Serbian, Croatian, and Bosnian.
Ari Arash GN Shali
Consulting lawyer
Ari primarily works with business and civil law matters, contract law, real estate law, construction law, tenancy law, and employment law. Ari speaks Swedish, English, and Persian.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about debt restructuring
There is no fixed minimum. Your debts are assessed in relation to your finances and whether you can reasonably repay them for the foreseeable future.
Standard debt restructuring normally lasts five years, although the payment plan may be shorter in certain cases. The process for business owners normally has a three-year payment plan.
Most debts that exist when the proceedings begin may be included, but exceptions apply. You should therefore disclose every debt in your application.
Review the reasons carefully. You may appeal the decision to the district court, normally within three weeks. We help assess the decision and prepare the appeal.
Let a lawyer contact you
Tell us briefly about your situation, and we’ll get back to you within one business day to schedule a video consultation.