Starting a business is a big undertaking! Many entrepreneurs choose to structure their businesses as corporations, partnerships, or LLCs in favor of limited liability. While this protects you from being personally liable for the company’s debts, there are still some circumstances in which directors and officers may be held personally responsible for the company’s debts. When your business encounters financial difficulties, it’s important to understand the risks involved with personal liability for business debt.
When can a director be held personally liable for company debts?
A company’s failure to pay its creditors can result in legal ramifications and personal liability for directors, officers and managers. While this may sound intimidating, it’s important to understand that in most cases, those in charge of a company are not held personally liable for their company’s debts.
In certain cases, however, an individual can be held personally responsible for corporate debt. This may be the case where a director or officer has acted negligently or fraudulently in the management of the company’s finances. In addition, in certain circumstances, a director or officer may also be held liable for failure to properly manage the Company’s finances or otherwise acting outside of his authority as a manager or director of the Company.
As a director, it is your responsibility to ensure that when you face financial difficulties you act in the best interests of the company, its stockholders/members and its creditors. If you fail to do this and behave unlawfully, you could be held personally liable for any company debts. These include, among others:
Failure to comply with the director’s duties.
One of the most common forms of director misconduct is failure to perform their duties. As a Director you will have various responsibilities including managing finances responsibly and ensuring that all legal requirements are met. Failure to comply with these obligations may expose you to personal liability if the Company becomes insolvent as a result of your negligence or mismanagement.
Accessing funds through fraudulent means.
Another form of director misconduct is attempting to access funds by fraudulent means, such as by providing false documentation or misleading information. Such behavior can result in serious consequences, including criminal charges and personal liability if a company goes bankrupt as a result of your actions. It is important to ensure that all financial information provided is accurate and current at all times.
director’s misconduct.
A misconduct occurs when a director intentionally acts against the interests of creditors or shareholders by exploiting their position for personal gain. Again, such behavior can have serious consequences for both the company and the individual concerned if it leads to the opening of insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings against the company.
Keep taking payments knowing the business can’t afford them.
Another form of manager misconduct is continuing to accept payments from customers knowing full well that the company cannot currently afford them. This can put the company in further financial trouble and can also lead to personal liability if the company goes into bankruptcy proceedings due to its inability to repay its debts.
Sale of company assets at a price below their market value.
Another form of misconduct comes into play when a director decides to sell company assets at prices below their market value without first consulting other directors or stakeholders involved in the company. This can result in financial damage not only to those who invested money in the company, but also to those who could have received more money if they had been or had been interviewed about potential buyers of those assets prior to the sale determined for fair market value.
Directors should always strive to act in accordance with their fiduciary duties to creditors and shareholders when making decisions on behalf of their company. Otherwise, they risk being held personally liable for the resulting debt if something goes wrong as a result of their misconduct or negligence.
Taking steps such as ensuring that accurate financial information is provided at all times, avoiding fraudulent activity, not selling assets below market value without first consulting stakeholders, and managing finances responsibly are just a few ways in which Directors can help protect themselves from potential personal liability should companies default as a result of their actions.
Campbell Law Group PAs are your trusted partners
Directors, officers and managers of Florida corporations need to understand how their personal wealth can be affected when their corporation defaults on its debts. Campbell Law Group PA is here to offer advice on the implications of corporate debt and personal liability for directors and officers in the state of Florida.
The goal of Campbell Law Group PA is always to help clients minimize potential conflicts wherever possible. However, if litigation is required, our team has the experience to effectively represent you or your company at every step until a fair outcome is reached, ensuring that all your rights are protected at all times throughout the proceedings.
Our commitment is unwavering when it comes to representing our clients, whether in corporate or family law cases – so don’t hesitate to contact us today if you are looking for experienced lawyers who will put your needs first !
Want to understand how a CEO can be personally liable for corporate debt in Florida? Visit our website or contact us today.
