Guide only — this matter needs a solicitor. Under Irish law this work must be carried out by a solicitor, so it is not sold on this site. The information below explains what is involved so you can brief a solicitor with confidence.
OnlineLegalServices.ie is operated by Plus Promotions Limited, which is not a solicitor’s practice and does not give legal advice. To instruct a regulated practice, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.
Winding-up petition defence in Ireland helps companies respond to a petition to wind them up, often brought by a creditor over an unpaid debt. This Winding-Up Petition Defence service is solicitor-handled and Ireland-specific, aligned to the Companies Act 2014, and tailored to your situation. It is suitable for companies and directors facing a petition who need to act quickly, with fees agreed on application. This service is not a substitute for full legal representation in contested commercial litigation; for complex M&A or high-value disputes, contact us for a tailored quote.
What’s included
- Document(s) drafted under Irish law and Companies Registration Office (CRO) practice
- One round of review and tailoring against your specific commercial situation
- Plain-English guidance notes for your board or management team
- Delivered by email once your details are received
- Self-complete template with guidance notes — you fill it in yourself
- Documents tailored to Irish law and your circumstances, delivered by email
- A written summary of the key points and anything you need to do afterwards
Who this is for
- Companies served with a winding-up petition
- Directors facing a statutory demand that may lead to a petition
- Companies disputing the debt claimed
- Businesses that want to explore settlement
How it works
- Find a solicitor through the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory and send them the basic details and any existing documents or correspondence.
- Complete a short questionnaire about your circumstances.
- A solicitor would then prepare your document(s) or report from the details you return, with one round of review and tailoring against your commercial situation.
- Your document(s) or report and plain-English guidance notes are delivered by email.
Frequently asked questions
How much does winding-up petition defence cost in Ireland?
Fees for work of this kind are typically set on application: a solicitor would typically confirm the fee once the matter has been reviewed and before any work begins. Any third-party or State fees are listed separately where they apply.
Can a company stop a winding-up petition?
A petition may be opposed where the debt is genuinely disputed on substantial grounds, or resolved by payment or agreement. Acting quickly is essential.
What is the risk of ignoring a petition?
If a petition is not dealt with, the court may order the company to be wound up, which ends its trading.
For more on disputes and litigation, see our Disputes & Litigation in Ireland guide.
If you would like to be told when solicitor services are available again on this site, you can join our no-fee waiting list. To instruct a solicitor now, use the Law Society of Ireland’s Find a Solicitor directory.





