Debt recovery · Slovakia
Letter before action demanding payment
We send the debtor a letter before action demanding payment on a lawyer's letterhead. A clear signal that you mean business. In many cases, it works faster and costs less than court proceedings. If the debtor does not pay, we move seamlessly to a payment order or a claim, with the entire recovery process prepared.
- A demand on a lawyer's letterhead
- Faster and cheaper than court
- Followed by a payment order
What we'll do for you
Assessment of the claim and sending a letter before action, with follow-up action prepared if the debtor does not pay.
Select an item to see the details.
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Assessment of the claim
We review whether the claim is supported by evidence and recoverable, and whether limitation is a risk.
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Letter before action
We prepare and send the debtor a demand for payment with a final deadline, on a lawyer's letterhead.
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Ancillary claims
We also calculate default interest and costs so that the debtor sees the debt continuing to grow over time.
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Payment negotiations
If the debtor responds, we agree payment or an instalment plan, and where appropriate an acknowledgement of debt.
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Follow-up action prepared
If the demand does not work, we move seamlessly to a payment order or a claim without wasting time.
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Overview and recommendation
You receive a clear recommendation on the next steps based on the debtor's response.
Deliverableletter before action sent and next recovery steps prepared
How it works
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- Assessmentday 0
We check the claim and documents and explain your realistic prospects of success.
- Demand
We send the debtor a letter before action with a final deadline for voluntary payment.
- Next stepsafter the deadline
Depending on the response, we agree payment or proceed with a payment order or a claim.
No-obligation enquiry
Ready to start?
Send us an enquiry. We reply within 24 hours with a price confirmation and next steps. The first 30-minute consultation is free and commits you to nothing.
- 1Send your enquiry via this form
- 2Within 24 h you get a price confirmation and plan
- 3We start work only after your approval
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What clients ask
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What is a letter before action for?
It is the final step before court proceedings: it gives the debtor a clear deadline and signals that a lawyer is now handling the matter. In many cases, it works and the debtor pays, saving you the time and costs of court proceedings. If it does not, we move seamlessly to a claim.
Must I demand payment before bringing a claim?
A demand before proceedings is not always a condition for filing the claim itself, but it matters for the recovery of costs. If the defendant pays immediately after filing without having received a prior demand, the court may take that into account when awarding costs. A letter before action therefore also helps on costs.
What if the debtor still does not pay after the demand?
We then apply for a payment order or bring a claim for payment. As we have already assessed the claim when preparing the demand, the next stage is quick and seamless. We always recommend the approach in advance based on the debtor's response.
What does it cost, and will I recover the costs?
We agree the fee for the demand in advance. In addition to the principal, you can generally claim default interest and, if recovery through the courts succeeds, the costs of proceedings, including legal representation. We explain the specific outlook when assessing the claim.
How quickly will you send the demand?
Once we receive the documents and assess the claim, we can generally prepare and send the demand within a short time. As claims may become time-barred, we recommend avoiding delay and contacting us as soon as possible.
Legal Q&A
Common questions on this topic
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When does a claim become time-barred?
An ordinary civil claim becomes time-barred after three years; a claim between businesses arising from a commercial relationship after four. Time runs from when the right could first be exercised, generally when due. Limitation does not extinguish the claim, but if the debtor raises it in court, the court will not award the time-barred right. For consumer agreements, however, Section 54a precludes enforcement of a time-barred right even without such a defence. Debt acknowledgement and timely pursuit in court affect limitation differently under the applicable regime.
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How should I recover an unpaid invoice?
Invoice recovery follows an established sequence: check the debtor and limitation period, send a pre-action payment demand specifying principal and interest, apply for a payment order through ordinary or electronic payment order proceedings if unsuccessful, and begin enforcement once an enforceable title is obtained. Most cases are resolved by a lawyer's demand; court and enforcement are later stages.
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What default interest can I claim on an unpaid invoice?
If the debtor fails to pay on time, you are entitled to default interest in addition to principal. In civil relationships, the statutory rate is five percentage points above the European Central Bank's base interest rate. In commercial relationships between businesses, it is the ECB rate plus eight percentage points (or a fixed nine-point uplift), together with a flat EUR 40 recovery cost payment. A rate higher than the statutory rate may be agreed in the contract.
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Further reading
Debt recovery audit: eight questions showing how much money your business leaves uncollected
Invoices becoming time-barred this year, unclaimed interest and fixed compensation, reminders without legal effect and insolvencies discovered too late. Eight questions reveal where recovery loses money, with links to detailed guidance.
Read more →
When a director pays the company’s debts: three routes for creditors
A claim against an empty s.r.o. may still be recoverable. Slovak law allows creditors to claim damages directly for a late bankruptcy petition and to pursue the company’s claim against its managing director. Czech law provides statutory liability for company debts and late insolvency petitions.
Read more →
Damages under the new rules: what can and cannot be agreed
The new Civil Code addresses long-disputed questions about damages: advance waivers, disguised late-payment interest and non-pecuniary claims for breach of contract. Liability limitation clauses will have clear rules.
Read more →