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Recognition of foreign judgments

Most of the clients asking for legal support in Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments

In today’s globalized legal landscape, cross-border litigation has become increasingly common.

A pivotal aspect of such cases is the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments.

In Bulgaria, this process is governed by a combination of domestic legislation and international treaties, ensuring that foreign judgments are acknowledged and enforced under specific conditions.

The legal FrameworkRecognition of foreign judgments

1. EU Judgments

For judgments originating from EU Member States, Bulgaria adheres to Regulation (EU) No 1215/2012, commonly known as the Brussels Ibis Regulation.

This regulation facilitates the automatic recognition and enforcement of civil and commercial judgments across EU countries, eliminating the need for a separate exequatur procedure.

2. Non-EU Judgments

Judgments from non-EU countries are subject to the provisions of the Bulgarian Code of Private International Law (CPIL).

Specifically, Articles 117 to 124 outline the criteria and procedures for recognizing and enforcing such judgments.

Conditions for Recognition and Enforcement

According to Article 117 of the CPIL, a foreign judgment can be recognized and enforced in Bulgaria if the following conditions are met:

  • Jurisdiction: The foreign court must have had jurisdiction under Bulgarian law.
  • Proper Service: The defendant must have been duly served with the claim and had an opportunity to present their case.
  • Finality: The judgment must be final and binding in the country of origin.
  • No Conflicting Bulgarian Judgment: There should be no existing Bulgarian judgment between the same parties on the same matter.
  • No Pending Bulgarian Proceedings: No ongoing proceedings in Bulgaria should involve the same parties and subject matter.
  • Public Policy: The judgment must not contravene Bulgarian public policy.

The legal steps

1. Application Submission

An interested party must submit an application to the Sofia City Court for recognition and enforcement. The application should include:

  • A certified copy of the foreign judgment.
  • A certificate confirming the judgment’s finality, issued by the originating court.Recognition of foreign judgments
  • Evidence of proper service to the defendant.
  • A translation of the documents into Bulgarian, certified by a sworn translator.

2. Court Examination

The Sofia City Court will examine the application to ensure compliance with the conditions outlined in Article 117 of the CPIL.

The court does not reassess the merits of the case but focuses on procedural and jurisdictional aspects.

3. Issuance of Enforcement Order

If the court recognizes the foreign judgment, it will issue an enforcement order.

This order allows the creditor to initiate enforcement proceedings through a bailiff in Bulgaria.

Appeals and Objections

The debtor has the right to appeal the court’s decision within two weeks of notification.

However, objections are limited to procedural grounds and cannot challenge the substance of the original judgment.

Special Considerations

1. Reciprocity Principle

Bulgaria may require evidence of reciprocity, meaning the foreign country would recognize Bulgarian judgments under similar circumstances.

2. International Treaties

Bulgaria is a party to several international treaties that may influence the recognition and enforcement process, such as the Hague Convention on the Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments in Civil or Commercial Matters.

Recognizing and enforcing foreign judgments in Bulgaria involves a structured legal process aimed at balancing international cooperation with national legal principles.

By adhering to the outlined procedures and ensuring all conditions are met, foreign judgments can be effectively enforced within the Bulgarian legal system.

For further information or assistance, consulting with a legal professional experienced in international private law is advisable.

Criminal & Defence Lawyer

The criminal litigation in Bulgaria refers to the process of trying a Criminal & Defence Lawyer. 

Criminal defense lawyers are legal professionals who specialize in defending individuals and organizations charged with criminal offenses.

They represent their clients in court and work to ensure that their rights are protected throughout the legal process.

Criminal defense lawyers are responsible for investigating the case, gathering evidence, and building a strong defense strategy.

They also negotiate plea bargains and work to reduce or dismiss charges.

In some cases, they may also represent their clients during appealsCriminal & Defence Lawyer

To become a criminal defense lawyer, one must complete a law degree and pass the bar exam. Many criminal defense lawyers also have experience working as prosecutors or public defenders.

Criminal defense lawyers play a crucial role in the justice system by ensuring that everyone has access to a fair trial.

They work tirelessly to protect the rights of their clients and to ensure that justice is served.

Criminal litigators before the Bulgarian court :

The first level is a criminal prosecution level, who present the government’s case against the defendant.

The criminal defense attorneys, who represent the interests of the defendant.

Criminal prosecutors practice at either the state level or the federal level, while criminal defense attorneys generally maintain private practices or work as public defenders for the state or federal government.

Whether prosecutors or defense attorneys, criminal lawyers handle a wide variety of cases, from white-collar crime, violent crimes, sex crimes and drug trafficking, traffic offenses and misdemeanors.

Some concentrate on white-collar crime such as fraud, embezzlement and insider trading.

Providing legal assistance and protection against detention and arrest; Contesting detention;

Litigation, protection and assistance in the enforcement of detention measures “Detention on remand”, “Home arrest” and “Money guarantee”;

Providing legal assistance in criminal litigation process for protection and procedural representation of defendants at the stage of pre-trial proceedings;

Procedural representation in proceedings for early release, replacement of the regime for serving the sentence, interruption of the execution of the punishment;

Litigation, protection

Procedural representation in the transfer of convicted persons, recognition of a foreign court verdict, international legal assistance in criminal cases;

The litigation court proceedings has been developed before the Bulgarian city courts,appealing level and Supreme cassation Court;

Criminal litigation in case resolution by concluding an agreement with the prosecutor’s office;

Criminal litigation in the discharge of criminal liability by imposing an administrative penalty;

Providing legal assistance, protection and assistance to victims of crime;

Providing legal assistance, protection and assistance to victims of traffic accidents, accidents at work and benefits;

Protection, assistance and assistance to witnesses summoned by law enforcement agencies (MoI) or pre-trial authorities and in the course of court proceedings;Criminal & Defence Lawyer

Providing legal assistance, protection and assistance to an injured person in private-criminal cases – insult; defamation; slight bodily injury;

Providing legal assistance, protection and assistance in the face of police violence;

Our main activity as a criminal defence law office

Participation in the conduct of investigative and judicial proceedings;

Assistance and assistance in the return of material evidence which has been seized during the investigation and return of the guarantees provided.

Getting enforcement letter Bulgaria

Many foreigners in Bulgaria call us when they need some legal help for getting enforcement letter Bulgaria. 

Discover the simplified process of obtaining an enforcement letter in Bulgaria through the order for payment procedure.

Procedure for Issuing an Order for Payment

The Order for Payment procedure serves to streamline the enforcement of monetary claims and property restitution without the need for a legal trial.

Our legal fees and Expenses:Getting enforcement letter Bulgaria

– Fees for initiating the procedure amount to 2% of the claim value.
– Additional expenses may include attorney’s fees, depending on the claim value.

What Happens if the Debtor Objects?

If the debtor raises objections against the issued order for payment, a trial ensues.

However, if the debtor fails to object, a writ of execution is issued in favor of the claimant, triggering the enforcement procedure with an additional 2% cost.

**Getting Enforcement Letter in Bulgaria**

Under the current Civic code, anyone can request the district court to issue an enforcement order.

This order, based on Art. 410 and Art. 417 CC, serves as a valid ground for obtaining an enforcement letter.

Quick and Economical Process:

The enforcement order acts as a replacement for a judgment, ensuring a swift and cost-effective process.

Claims can be based on various grounds, such as employment contracts, rent agreements, loan contracts, or any bonding relationship.

The entire process in Bulgaria: 

1. The applicant (creditor) submits an application to the district court, usually at the debtor’s permanent address.
2. The court examines the application for regularity and proceedings’ admissibility.
3. The applicant must specify the basis for their claim, supported by relevant documents.
4. The debtor has 14 days to object, but any objection during this period holds no evidential value for the claim’s existence.
5. If no objections are raised or resolved, the enforcement order becomes the basis for issuing a writ of execution, initiating enforcement proceedings.

Claimant’s Response to Objections:

– If the debtor contests the claim, the claimant has one month to file a claim with the same court.

Navigating the Order for Payment procedure ensures a swift, surprising, and economical process.

Should you need assistance in the enforcement proceedings, our experienced team is here to guide you through the legal intricacies. 📜

🤝 #EnforcementProceedings #BulgarianLegalSystem #OrderForPaymentProcedure

Bulgarian construction lawyer

Our lawyers have been involved in a wide range of construction projects, from small and medium size projects, such as construction of petrol stations, to major thermal power plants as Bulgarian construction lawyer.

We provide advice to investors, developers, financing institutions and government organisations.

Our thorough appreciation of the risks involved in property development and construction ensures we work together with our clients to minimise those risks.

Issue of  Certificate for rough construction, roof level, (Act 14)

This act certifies that certain stage of the construction process is reached.

More specifically, the separate floors, staircases, outdoor and indoor walls, as well as the roof of the building are completed.Bulgarian construction lawyer

During the construction process the authorities issue an acceptance of the completed works by the investor and the supervisor

The completion of construction is certified by execution of a protocol (“Act 15”) which is signed by the investor, the designer, the contractor and the supervisor.

This Certificate called Act 15, the supervisor prepares a final report on the execution of the works.

The executor of the construction works hands over the building to the investor.

Issue of  Certificate for Permission for usage (Act 16) – the building is completed in full at that stage. Bulgarian construction lawyer

It is examined by government construction authorities if it corresponds to the initial architectural project about which the building permission is received.

These four stages are absolutely obligatory and a must according to the Bulgarian Construction Law

Our law office provides professional consulting services and negotiaton assistanceship bteween the foreign investors and the construction contractors.

OUR LEGAL PRACTICE – CONSTRUCTION PROCEDURES

Throughout the years of our practice in the fields of construction law.

We actively took part into the development of folowing :

A/ infrastructural projects,

B/ linear and site infrastructure projects,Bulgarian construction lawyer

C/ gas stations, environmental

D/ water projects, waste treatment facilities construction projects, etc.

We have experience at all stages of the construction process – from the proper development of a detailed zoning plan procedure, giving the frames of the future construction project.

We are also able to provide legal advice upon the necessary demolition of equipment, whose operation is terminated.

We can assist you on a wide range of construction matters including:

  • pre-contract and tendering advice
  • drafting and negotiating of contracts
  • planning, environmental and building regulation issues
  • joint ventures, investment vehicles and funding
  • procurement structures and construction documentation
  • negotiating with local planning authorities
  • approval of designs, issuance of construction and operational permits
  • dispute resolution

We are used to work in each and every step of the construction process, including demolition of lawful buildings.

Our practice includes legal advice and drafting ofBulgarian construction lawyer

  1. various types of contracts needed for the organization and implementation of the construction process, i.e. design contracts,
  2. EPC contracts,
  3. design supervision contracts,
  4. construction supervision contracts.

We represent our clients in the negotiations on the specific terms and conditions, rights, obligations in the construction process.

Our team coordinates the necessary matters with civil engineers, designers and other experts who help us deliver first class and effective legal support.

Changes in the construction law 

Аfter it came into force last month, changes in the law on spatial planning, which set the functions of the Ministry of regional development

The legal act to be divided into two separate, one will govern the territory, and the other will affect the investment process in construction.

The deputy hopes that with the new changes in the law will stimulate investment in construction.

Another major problem that hinders the investments, is the lack of general development plans of municipalities.

If you have any construction legal questions or issues in Bulgaria you need an expert lawyer to protect your rights.

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