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Debt recovery and disputes
When someone owes you money, timing and the right approach are everything. From the first demand letter through a lawsuit to enforcement – in the Czech Republic and abroad. And if you are being sued, I help you defend yourself.
How I can help
Debt recovery
- Pre-action demand letters
- Debt acknowledgement and payment plans
- Payment-order applications and lawsuits
- Enforcement – application and coordination with the bailiff
- Filing claims in insolvency proceedings
- Recovery abroad – European order for payment, cooperation with colleagues in Germany and Austria
Disputes and representation
- Commercial disputes between businesses
- Disputes over work, purchase and lease contracts
- Damages and unjust enrichment
- Defence against unjustified claims and lawsuits
- Out-of-court negotiation and settlement agreements
- Representation before Czech courts at all levels
Typical situations
A customer isn’t paying invoices and ignores reminders.
A letter from a law office is often enough. If not, I apply for a payment order – for undisputed claims it is usually the fastest route to an enforceable title.
A contractor took a deposit and didn’t finish the job.
I assess whether and how to withdraw from the contract and recover the deposit or damages.
You received a payment order or a lawsuit from a Czech court.
Deadlines are short – an objection to a payment order must be filed within 15 days of service. Get in touch right away, not on the last day.
A customer in Germany hasn’t paid.
For claims within the EU, the European order for payment is available. Where proceedings in Germany itself are needed, I work with a trusted local colleague.
How I recover debts
From demand letter to payment- 1 Assessment I review the documents, check limitation and tell you the chances and costs.
- 2 Demand letter A pre-action letter to the debtor – it often leads to payment and is a condition for recovering costs.
- 3 Court Payment-order application or lawsuit and representation in the proceedings.
- 4 Recovery Enforcement or an insolvency claim – until the money is in your account.
Fees
The fee depends on the size of the claim and how far the matter goes. You always know it upfront.
If you win, the Czech court usually awards the costs of the proceedings, including attorney’s fees – paid by the other side. For companies with recurring debt collection I also offer a monthly retainer.
FAQ
Is it worth pursuing a smaller amount?
Often yes – if you win, the debtor usually bears the costs. What matters is whether the debtor can pay. We assess that in the initial consultation.
Why send a demand letter before suing?
Apart from the fact that debtors often pay, it is a condition for recovering costs. Under Section 142a of the Czech Code of Civil Procedure, the claimant is entitled to costs only if a demand for payment was sent to the debtor at least 7 days before filing the lawsuit.
When does a claim become time-barred?
Under Czech law the general limitation period is three years (Section 629 of the Czech Civil Code). The parties may agree on a different period. Don’t wait until the last minute – once time-barred, the debt cannot be enforced in court if the debtor invokes limitation.
I received a Czech payment order. What now?
A payment order requires you to pay within 15 days of service or to file an objection within the same period. If you don’t object, the payment order has the effect of a final judgment. Get in touch as soon as possible.
Can you recover debts abroad?
Within the EU, yes – for example through the European order for payment. Where proceedings under foreign law are needed, I work with trusted colleagues in Germany and Austria.
Someone owes you money?
Send me the invoices, the contract and any correspondence so far. The first 15 minutes of a consultation are free; I usually reply to e-mails within 48 hours on working days.