Dissolution is the act of bringing to an end. It is the act of rendering a legal proceeding null, or changing its character. Under corporate law, it is the last stage of liquidation. Dissolution is the process by which a company is brought to an end.
Liquidation is the selling of the assets of a business, paying bills and dividing the remainder among shareholders, partners or other investors. A business need not be insolvent to liquidate. Upon liquidation of certain business, such as a bank, a bond may be required to be posted to assure the proper distribution of assets to creditors.
The Louisiana Plan of Liquidation and Dissolution of a Corporation refers to the legal process by which a corporation in Louisiana terminates its operations, settles its obligations, and distributes its remaining assets to its shareholders. This plan outlines the step-by-step procedures and requirements that must be followed in order to achieve a successful dissolution and liquidation. One of the key components of the Louisiana Plan of Liquidation and Dissolution is the appointment of a liquidating agent or administrator who is responsible for overseeing the winding-up process. This individual is often chosen by the corporation's board of directors and holds the responsibility of paying off creditors, collecting debts owed to the corporation, distributing assets according to the priority of claims, and filing the necessary paperwork with the Louisiana Secretary of State. The plan typically begins with the board of directors passing a resolution to dissolve the corporation, which is then followed by the filing of dissolution documents with the state. These documents include a Certificate of Dissolution, which notifies the public of the corporation's intention to dissolve. The corporation must also notify its creditors of its dissolution, allowing them a specific time period to submit their claims against the company. Once the claims have been received, the liquidating agent must evaluate and prioritize them based on their validity and order of priority. Obligations owed to secured creditors, such as those with liens or mortgages on the corporation's assets, typically hold priority over unsecured creditors. The liquidating agent is responsible for using the remaining assets of the corporation to satisfy these claims. After all valid claims have been resolved, the assets that remain are distributed to the shareholders. This distribution is usually in proportion to their ownership interest in the corporation, as specified in their share certificates. Shareholders should consult with tax advisors to understand any tax implications associated with the distribution of assets. Different types of Louisiana Plans of Liquidation and Dissolution may exist depending on the specific circumstances of the corporation. For example, there may be voluntary dissolution initiated by the corporation itself, or involuntary dissolution forced by legal action or bankruptcy proceedings. Additionally, there may be plans for solvent corporations that have sufficient assets to cover their obligations as well as plans for insolvent corporations that cannot meet their debts. In conclusion, the Louisiana Plan of Liquidation and Dissolution of a Corporation is a legal framework that guides the orderly winding-up of a corporation's affairs, settling of obligations, and distribution of assets to its shareholders. It establishes the procedures and requirements necessary to achieve a successful dissolution and to navigate the complex process of distributing assets while complying with relevant laws and regulations.