1) Voluntary liquidation can benefit companies by allowing owners to move forward after the process is complete more quickly than other types of liquidations. 2) A voluntary liquidation by shareholders avoids some of the drawbacks of creditors' voluntary liquidation, such as a longer timeline and oversight by a liquidator appointed by creditors. 3) However, voluntary liquidation also has disadvantages, such as potential fees for company directors if the business is found to have wrongfully claimed solvency. An alternative like an informal agreement with creditors may allow a business to continue operating.