Litigation is the part of legal work where preparation shows most clearly. Courts decide on the evidence in the file, within strict procedural deadlines, and a missed step at first instance is often impossible to repair on appeal.
We act for claimants and defendants before the Sofia District Court, Sofia City Court, the Sofia Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of Cassation, as well as courts across the country. Our civil caseload covers contract disputes, damages, recovery of debts, property and consumer-credit cases.
How we approach a dispute
Before recommending a claim, we answer three questions with you: can it be proven, what will it cost, and what will the outcome realistically be worth once it is enforced? Often the best result is a well-argued letter or a settlement reached because the other side can see the case we have built.
Assessment
We review the documents, identify the evidence still needed and check limitation periods.
Pre-action
A formal demand or settlement proposal, often the cheapest way to get paid.
Securing the claim
Where there is a risk of assets disappearing, we ask the court for an attachment or garnishment before or alongside the claim.
Proceedings
Statement of claim or defence, evidence, witnesses and expert reports, hearings.
Enforcement
A judgment is only useful once collected — we instruct a private enforcement agent to reach bank accounts, salaries and property.
What we handle
- Claims and defences before all civil court instances
- Order-for-payment proceedings and collection of receivables
- Damages claims for financial loss and non-pecuniary harm
- Interim relief and precautionary measures
- Enforcement of judgments and challenges to enforcement steps
- Defence against unfounded claims, including by quick-loan lenders
- Drafting of civil contracts and settlement agreements
Questions clients ask
How long do I have to bring a claim?
The general limitation period in Bulgaria is five years. A shorter three-year period applies to periodic payments such as rent, interest and certain penalties. For damages caused by a wrongful act, the five years run from the moment the person responsible becomes known. Limitation is not applied by the court of its own motion — the defendant must raise it — but you should not rely on that.
What is an order for payment and when does it make sense?
It is a fast-track procedure under Art. 410 and 417 of the Civil Procedure Code. The court issues the order on paper, without a hearing; the debtor then has two weeks to object. If no objection is filed, the order becomes enforceable. If the debtor objects, the creditor must bring a full claim. It is ideal for clear, documented debts.
Who pays the legal costs?
The losing party is ordered to reimburse the winner’s court fees and a reasonable attorney’s fee, in proportion to the part of the claim won or lost. A court can reduce a fee it considers excessive. We give you a realistic cost estimate before you commit to proceedings.
Can a judgment from Bulgaria be enforced in another EU country?
Yes. Judgments in civil and commercial matters circulate within the EU under the Brussels I bis Regulation without a separate recognition procedure. For non-EU countries, the rules of the country of enforcement apply.
