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Debt Collection in Bulgaria

Many foreign clients asked us for legal support in Debt Collection in Bulgaria.

A debt collection attorney in Bulgaria is crucial for both creditors and debtors when resolving debt-related disputes.

Whether you are seeking to recover unpaid debts or need protection from aggressive collection tactics, a lawyer can offer invaluable assistance.

The attorney’s role extends from

drafting legal documents,
filing claims,
representing clients in court,
negotiating settlements
ensuring compliance with Bulgarian debt collection laws.

For creditors, the lawyer’s primary goal is to recover unpaid debts through the most efficient legal means available.

This may involve sending formal demand letters, filing lawsuits, or initiating enforcement proceedings.

On the debtor’s side, an attorney helps protect their rights, negotiate manageable repayment terms, and defend against harassment or unlawful practices from collection agencies or creditors.

Debt Collection Attorney in Bulgaria ?

If you are dealing with any of the following situations, you should consider hiring a debt collection attorney in Bulgaria:

– Frequent harassment by creditors:

If creditors or debt collectors are calling you relentlessly or showing up at your home or workplace, legal intervention may be necessary to stop harassment.

– Unable to repay debts:

When you find yourself in financial distress, a lawyer can help negotiate better repayment terms or even seek legal remedies such as bankruptcy or debt restructuring.

– Threat of a lawsuit:

If a creditor has initiated legal proceedings against you, having an attorney on your side is critical to ensure your rights are protected.

-Unfair practices by debt collectors:

In Bulgaria, debt collectors must abide by legal rules and cannot engage in unfair or threatening practices.

If you believe you are being mistreated, a lawyer can help stop this and hold the collector accountable.

Creditors, on the other hand, should consider legal assistance when they are struggling to recover debts through standard collection methods.

A debt collection attorney can explore all available legal avenues, such as attachment of property, wage garnishment, or foreclosure proceedings, to help you recover what is owed.

Debt Collection Process in Bulgaria

Debt collection in Bulgaria typically starts with an amicable approach, such as sending a demand letter.

If the debtor fails to respond, the creditor can escalate to legal action.

The court can issue an enforcement order, which then allows the creditor to pursue forced collection through the assistance of an enforcement officer.

This may involve seizing assets, garnishing wages, or freezing bank accounts.

A debt collection attorney in Bulgaria ensures that all procedures are carried out lawfully and that your case is presented as effectively as possible, both in and out of court.

How Much a Debt Collection Attorney Cost in Bulgaria cost ?

In Bulgaria, attorneys specializing in debt collection charge fees based on the complexity and nature of the case.

There are typically three main fee structures:

1.Hourly rates: Clients pay for the actual time spent working on the case.

The hourly rate depends on the attorney’s experience and the complexity of the case.

2. Contingency fees: Commonly used by creditors, this arrangement allows the lawyer to receive payment only if the case is successful.

The attorney will take a percentage of the recovered amount, usually between 10% and 30%.

This method is preferred when large sums are involved.

3. Flat fees: Some debt collection lawyers offer flat fees for specific services, such as drafting demand letters or representing clients in court.

Flat fees provide clients with a clear understanding of costs upfront.

Discussing the fee structure in advance ensures that both parties have clear expectations regarding costs.

Legal support from a lawyer in debt collection case

– For creditors:

The attorney will first review the details of the outstanding debt and recommend the best legal strategy.

This might involve sending a formal demand letter, initiating legal proceedings, or negotiating an out-of-court settlement.

In the event of a court case, the attorney will represent you throughout the process, from filing the claim to enforcing the judgment.

Enforcement actions could include wage garnishment, property seizure, or freezing the debtor’s bank accounts.

The time required to recover the debt depends on the debtor’s financial situation, the complexity of the case, and the court’s rulings.

– For debtors:

If you are unable to repay a debt, a lawyer can review your financial situation and attempt to negotiate better repayment terms or defend you in court.

Depending on the circumstances, the attorney may help reduce the debt amount or arrange a more manageable payment plan.

In cases of harassment or unfair treatment by debt collectors, your attorney can file complaints and seek legal remedies to stop illegal practices.

A debt collection attorney ensures that both creditors and debtors follow the proper legal procedures.

Whether you’re looking to recover money or defend yourself from debt collectors, working with a qualified attorney in Bulgaria increases the chances of a favorable outcome.

Legal Remedies available for Creditors & Debtors in Bulgaria

For creditors, Bulgarian law provides various mechanisms for recovering debt:
– Court orders for enforcement:

A lawyer can request a court to issue an order for enforcement, which allows for the forced collection of debt.
– Property attachment and foreclosure:

In cases where the debtor has real estate or other valuable assets, a creditor may initiate foreclosure proceedings to recover the debt.
– Bank account freezing and wage garnishment:

A debt collection attorney can request that the debtor’s bank accounts be frozen or that wages be garnished to settle the debt.

For debtors, legal defenses may include:
– Challenging the validity of the debt:If the debtor believes the debt is invalid or incorrect, an attorney can contest the claim in court

– Negotiating debt reduction:

A lawyer can negotiate with the creditor to reduce the total amount owed or establish a more manageable repayment plan.

– Filing for bankruptcy: If the debt is overwhelming, the attorney can explore bankruptcy options under Bulgarian law, which may offer relief from collection efforts.

Debt collection in Bulgaria can be a complex and stressful process for both creditors and debtors.

However, with the assistance of an experienced debt collection attorney, you can navigate the legal system effectively and achieve a resolution that protects your financial interests.

For help with debt collection matters, feel free to reach out to us at 📞 0897 90 43 91 or via ✉️ Email: office@lawyer-bulgaria.bg !

What services does a debt collection attorney provide in Bulgaria?

A debt collection attorney in Bulgaria assists both creditors and debtors in resolving disputes over unpaid debts. Their services include drafting legal documents, filing claims, representing clients in court, negotiating settlements, and ensuring compliance with Bulgarian debt collection laws. For creditors, the attorney's goal is to recover unpaid funds through legal means such as demand letters, lawsuits, or enforcement actions. For debtors, the attorney helps defend against harassment, negotiate debt reductions, or protect against unlawful collection practices.

How can a debt collection attorney help a creditor recover unpaid debts?

A debt collection attorney can help creditors by initiating formal demand letters, representing them in court, and securing enforcement orders. They may also pursue legal options such as wage garnishment, asset seizure, or freezing bank accounts. The attorney ensures that all legal steps are followed, increasing the likelihood of recovering the unpaid amount.

What should I do if I’m being harassed by debt collectors in Bulgaria?

If you are facing harassment from debt collectors, a debt collection attorney can help protect your rights. They can challenge unfair practices, ensure that the collectors comply with Bulgarian laws, and negotiate repayment plans on your behalf. The attorney may also file complaints to stop unlawful actions and protect you from aggressive collection tactics.

When should I hire a debt collection attorney in Bulgaria?

You should consider hiring a debt collection attorney if: Creditors or collectors are frequently calling or harassing you. You are unable to repay a loan and need to negotiate better terms. You are facing a lawsuit from a creditor. You believe you are being treated unfairly by debt collectors. For creditors, a debt collection attorney is needed when standard collection methods fail to recover debts.

What is the process for debt collection in Bulgaria?

Debt collection in Bulgaria typically starts with a formal demand letter. If the debtor fails to respond, the case may escalate to court, where an enforcement order is issued. This order allows creditors to pursue forced collection methods such as seizing assets, garnishing wages, or freezing bank accounts. A debt collection attorney ensures that all legal procedures are followed and represents the creditor or debtor throughout the process.

How much does a debt collection attorney cost in Bulgaria?

Debt collection attorneys in Bulgaria may charge based on the complexity of the case and the services required. Common fee structures include: Hourly rates: Charges are based on the actual time spent working on the case. Contingency fees: The attorney takes a percentage of the recovered debt, typically between 10% and 30%. No fees are charged if no debt is recovered. Flat fees: Fixed prices for specific services such as drafting demand letters or representing clients in court. It's important to discuss fees with the attorney before proceeding.

What can I expect when working with a debt collection attorney in Bulgaria?

If you are a creditor, the attorney will assess the debt and recommend a strategy for recovery, which may involve legal action or settlement negotiations. They will represent you in court and help enforce the court's decision if needed. If you are a debtor, the lawyer will work to negotiate reduced repayment terms or defend you in court. In either case, the attorney ensures that the legal process is handled efficiently and fairly.

What legal remedies are available for debtors and creditors in Bulgaria?

For creditors, remedies include court orders for enforcement, wage garnishment, property seizure, and freezing bank accounts. For debtors, defenses include challenging the debt’s validity, negotiating debt reductions, or filing for bankruptcy. In either case, a debt collection attorney ensures that legal procedures are followed and seeks the most favorable outcome for their client.

October 11, 2024/by lawyer

Legal advices, News, Personal

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 Framework

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.
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.

May 4, 2019/by lawyer

Legal advices, News, Personal

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 appeals

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;

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.

July 29, 2018/by lawyer

Legal advices, News, Personal

Documents transfer of property

Our clients choose us because they know we understand their objectives and offer them legal support by getting the documents transfer of property.

We regularly handle transactions for the world’s leading investment banks, private equity funds, hedge funds, pension funds, REITs and sovereign wealth funds.

Increasingly they are cross border, highly structured and involve sophisticated financing arrangements.

These transactions are increasingly cross-border, highly structured, and involve sophisticated financing arrangements.

We support our clients in their most critical real estate projects on an international basis, ensuring compliance with local regulations and seamless execution.

List of Documents for Transfer of Property in Bulgaria:

1. Property Title Deed (Notary Deed): This essential document proves ownership and must be signed before a notary and registered in the Registry Agency.

2. Land Registry Extract: Provides detailed information about the property, including boundaries, area, and any encumbrances.

3. Municipal Tax Assessment Certificate: Confirms that all property taxes and fees are up to date according to local municipality records.

Other Specific Documents: Depending on the property type (e.g., agricultural land, historical buildings), additional documents may be required.

Navigating the property transfer process in Bulgaria requires meticulous attention to these documents to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations, facilitating a smooth and legally secure transaction.

1. Property title documents transfer of property

Most frequent documents of ownership:

• Title Deed, registered with the Registry Agency – title deed for purchase and sale, title deed for donation, title deed for exchange, notarized statement of ascertainment;

• Deed with registration records;

• Sales Agreement executed under the Ordinance on State-Owned Properties;

• Sales Agreement, executed under the Municipal Property Act and the State-Owned Public or Municipal Real Estate Act.

2. Property Tax Evaluation Certificate – issued by the local tax office at the property domicile.

The Property Tax Evaluation Certificate has to contain an address identical to the address of the property as per the title deed.

Property co-owners may not have any outstanding debts concerning the property, which shall be indicated in the Property Tax Evaluation Certificate.

3. Certificate of Marital Status of the seller(s), indicating the marital status of all owners as of the date of acquisition of the property.

4. Marriage Certificate of the seller, if applicable.

5. This property is not acquired as marital property, it shall not be considered matrimonial property community;

6. The property has any real rights registered, in order to execute the sale transaction, the user shall abandon all the real rights, established in their favour.

The waiver has to be signed in the presence of a Notary Public and shall be registered with the Notary Public’s file.

7. In case the property is subject to partition – the document in question (contract, ruling), registered with the Registry Agency.

8. Plan of the plot, in case of transfer of land (land plot, yard or part of yard, where the property/apartment is built).

9. In case the property has been received as inheritance

10. If the seller is divorced, the court ruling dissolving the marriage in divorce shall be presented.

11. Specific cases require different documents, which follow the property history and proves the title of ownership.

12. Certificate of Burdens for the property – to be issued by the Registry Agency

13. In case the seller is unable to perform the transaction personally, he needs to appoint another person with a Power of Attorney.

This Power of Attorney shall be notarized, and both the signatures affixed and the content of this Power of Attorney shall be certified.

14.A declaration under article 25, paragraph 7 of the Notaries and Notary Practices Acts and a declaration under article 264, paragraph 1 Tax Code

15. An identity document, which confirms the identity of both the buyer and the seller

16. In case the transaction refers to transferring developed buildings – the respective documents issued by the builder/investor

17. Other documents, according to the specifics of the transaction.

Due to the diversity of documents possible, we recommend that the documents under this transaction be checked by a lawyer.

June 24, 2018/by lawyer

Legal advices, News, Personal

Registration of a branch

The dynamics of modern business relations can easy switch to another country of doing business in different settlements by registration of a branch.

If you have such a need, you are generally faced with three options for doing business:

A) register individual “subsidiaries” of trading companies and through them to carry out your business.

With this option new companies are emerging and they have separate business enterprises.

The common between them is in the owner who owns them, but in the case of third parties they are completely independent subjects;

B) to disclose retail outlets (warehouses, shops, etc.) in the different settlements, without creating new companies and operating in them.

In this situation, no new legal entity emerges – a company, the trader himself engages in legal relationships with third parties.

B) register a branch through which to separate the performance of part of your activity in a settlement other than that in which your company has its registered office.

The branch is a legal-organizational form for carrying out a business activity in which a trader (firm), through a relative separation of part of its activity, carries it out in a settlement other than that in which its seat is located.

In the internal relations, the branch is dependent on the trader and this dependence is manifested in different directions, for example in:

A) the lack of an independent firm, and the branch company includes the trader’s firm and the branch add-on;

(B) the branch is part of the trader’s business (and, if transferred, the branch is transferred).

In disputes arising out of a direct relationship with a branch, claims are brought against the firm (as may be done at the headquarters of the branch);

B) the termination of the trader also leads to the termination of the branch (the same applies when the bankruptcy is declared);

D) the branch does not compile a stand-alone balance – the branch leads commercial books as a sole trader without compiling a separate balance sheet.

Registration of a branch

Branch registration is the result of the following procedure, which includes:

1. decision on the establishment of a branch;

2. election of a branch manager;

3. Entry in the Commercial Register (TP).

The decision to register a branch is taken by the competent corporate body under the rules of the relevant commercial company:

The decision should contain a clear intention to establish a branch and its headquarters, address of management, subject of activity, manner of management.

Setting up a Bulgarian branch by a foreign company is one of the legal forms for establishment of a business presence in Bulgaria.

Usually the branch office is considered to be an alternative to being a (sole) shareholder of a Bulgarian company.

The Bulgarian branch office is not a separate legal entity but a part of the foreign company.Registration of a branch

As a result, share capital of the branch is not required and the foreign company is liable for the liabilities incurred by the branch.

Legal Representative of the Bulgarian Branch

Though the Bulgarian branch office is not a separate legal entity and appointment of a director is not required, the authorization of a legal representative of the branch is mandatory.

The representative powers of the legal representative are determined by a power of attorney granted to him by the foreign company.

Registration with the Bulgarian Commercial Register

Under Bulgarian legislation branches are required to be registered with the Bulgarian Commercial Register. The necessary documents to register a branch in Bulgaria include:

official certificate of good standing of the foreign company;

official incumbency certificate containing the particulars of the persons authorized to represent the foreign company and their representative powers (if not contained in the certificate of good standing);

resolution of the foreign company to establish a branch in Bulgaria (the persons competent to adopt such a resolution are determined by the national corporate law of the foreign company);

constituent act/articles of association of the foreign company;

notarized power of attorney granted to the legal representative of the Bulgarian branch;

notarized written consent and specimen signature of the legal representative of the Bulgarian branch;

declaration under art.13, para. 4 of the Bulgarian Commercial Register Act.

Accounting

Under the Bulgarian Commerce Act following the successful branch office registration, the branch is required to maintain its own bookkeeping as well as to prepare a balance sheet.

Taxation

Under the Bulgarian tax legislation the profit generated by a foreign company’s branch established in Bulgaria is subject to corporate income tax.

June 24, 2018/by lawyer

Legal advices

Changing manager LLC Bulgaria

Change in the manner of management and representation or change of the person (s) representing the company

A change in the management of a company may occur when two or more persons are elected in the place of a manager to represent and manage the company together or separately, as well as the appointment of a procurator.

I. In the Commercial Law an option is provided by the manager of the company aloneto request it to be removed from the Commercial Register by giving written notice to the company.

Within one month of receipt of the notification, the company must declare its release in the Commercial Register for entry.

If the company does not do so, the manager may himself file for registration the fact that is entered, whether or not another person is elected in his place. In a nutshell, in order for the manager or the liquidator to declare the deletion alone, the law provided for the existence of two prerequisites – the manager / liquidator / requested the deletion by written notification to the company and the company had not declared its deletion in within one month of receipt of the notification.

The second and more frequent reason for change of manager in OOD is

Election of a new governor after the expiry of the mandate of the old governor or
Withdrawal of the manager’s authorization at any time during his term of office,
Resignition of the manager.

Empowerment of the manager may be withdrawn at any time and his name deleted from the commercial register.

The freedom of the general assembly to free the governor at any time, respectively to elect a new governor, is imperatively regulated by the legislator, and it results from the free withdrawal of empowerment (including empowerment).

There is a complete correspondence between the possibility of the general meeting of the company to withdraw the authorization of the manager / for the dismissal of the manager / as provided in Art. 141, para. 5 of the Commercial Act, the unilateral withdrawal of the manager, with a written notification to the company. The possibility of a free change of the manager is related to the fact that the legislator did not introduce grounds for the dismissal of the manager.

Even in cases where such a foundation is provided in the company agreement, they could not overcome imperatively the art. 141, para. 4 of the CG freedom of the General Assembly to withdraw the authorization, but such grounds would have significance in the search of the manager’s responsibility.

The change of the manager of the company should be entered in the Commercial Register.

Upon the change of the current manager, it is necessary to conclude a new written contract for the assignment of the management on behalf of the company, also the general meeting must take a decision to amend the company contract if the management and representation of the company change are the essential elements of the contract.

This decision must be taken by a majority of more than three-quarters of the capital unless a majority of the company’s agreement is provided.

The decision shall be drawn up with a notary authentication of the signatures and the contents made at the same time, unless a written agreement is provided in the Articles of Association.

The decision shall be entered in the record book. In LLC, a change in the way of management most often means assigning the management of EOOD to a procurator, but it is possible to appoint a governor if the constitutive act does not exclude the possibility of appointing a third party manager.

The procedure for entry in the Commercial Register and the register of non-profit legal entities lasts three working days.

Our legal services includes:

1. Drafting & preparation of the necessary documents, according to the requirements of the Commerce Act;

2. Drafting of applications of the Registry Agency – Commercial Register and all other necessary documents;

3. Transfer & payment of Register state fee for recording changes in circumstances;

4. Transfer of all state fee for Commercial Register, bank Fees;

With our service we will save you valuable time, with our knowledge and skills we will complete the entire procedure for you at moderate competitive prices.

June 24, 2018/by lawyer

Legal advices, News, Personal

Dispute Resolution Lawyers

The foreign companies and individuals are searching in Bulgaria in many cases for Dispute Resolution Lawyers.

Litigation lawyers guide their clients in resolving civil disagreements.

These disputes can involve a wide range of issues, from

unsettled invoices or
unmet contractual obligations to
disagreements between property owners and renters,
violation of property rights,
building-related allegations,
insurance companies’ responsibilities,
maritime disputes,
faulty goods,
tussles in the insurance contracts … the scope is limitless.

The most frequently encountered litigation involving individuals is extensively covered in our overview of personal injuries.

Assuming that disagreements are not resolved through negotiation, they will be finalised either by court litigation or an alternative means of dispute resolution.

Legal professionals in Bulgaria play a crucial role in advising both claimants and defendants, guiding them on the viability of their claims and whether to pursue settlement or litigation.

Their responsibilities extend to gathering evidence, securing witnesses, and formulating case strategies to support their clients.

In cases where negotiations fail, lawyers issue court proceedings or engage in alternative dispute resolution processes.

Our legal services in Dispute resolutions:

Work is driven by procedural rules and the timetable of the courts. Good litigators understand how best to manoeuvre within the system while also developing winning case strategies.
The phenomenal amount of paperwork generated means that young litigators spend much of their time sifting through documents, scheduling and copying them in order to provide the court and all other parties with an agreed bundle of evidence.
Litigators need to express themselves succinctly and precisely.
Unless the claim value is small, the solicitor’s job is more about case preparation than court performance. Solicitor advocates are gaining ground, and once properly qualified they can appear in the higher courts. Nonetheless, barristers still dominate court advocacy and the performance of some solicitor advocates has been criticised by the judiciary.
Despite a few firms starting up in-house advocacy units, the courts remain dominated by barristers, who are felt to have the edge when it comes to the skills and expertise needed to advocate.

The most usually used services are :

Evaluate Claims: Lawyers assess the validity of claims for claimants and advise defendants on whether to settle or contest allegations.
Evidence Gathering: Gather relevant evidence and secure witnesses to bolster the client’s position, strategically developing case plans.
Legal Proceedings: Initiate court proceedings or alternative dispute resolution if negotiations with the opposing party prove unproductive.
Representation: Represent clients in pre-trial hearings and case management conferences, providing legal guidance throughout the process.
Collaboration with Barristers: Attend conferences with barristers, briefing them for advocacy in hearings, trials, and arbitrations.
Court Attendance: Accompany clients to trials, arbitrations, and mediations, offering support to barristers during proceedings.

June 24, 2018/by lawyer

Legal advices

Open a representation office

Trade representation office

Many of our clients are foreign entities wishing to register a commercial agency or branch office of a foreign legal entity in Bulgaria. In this regard, working as lawyers in commercial cases in Bulgaria, we would like to inform you that all foreign persons engaged in commercial activities may open commercial offices in our country.

According to the Bulgarian laws, trade representation can perform non-profit activities, advertising of goods and services, and more.

Commercial representation of foreign person has got the right to operate an independent business. The regime of any commercial representation of foreign legal entity in Bulgaria is regulated by the Law on Investment Promotion (IPA).

When establishing trade representation of foreign legal entities, they must register in the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI). For the establishment of foreign investments under Bulgarian law, in addition to five different companies listed above, the investor may choose one of the following corporate forms:

OPEN a Branch office or
OPEN a trade representation.

A commercial legal entitywhich has got the right to perform commercial activity under its national law, may register a branch in the Commercial Register. The branch is not considered as a separate legal entity. The branch is not required to have any paid up capital or separate governance structure. Its assets and liabilities are considered of the mother company.

Representative Office

Foreign persons authorized to do business under their national law may establish a representative offices in Bulgaria. A representative office is registered at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce. The office is not a separate legal entity and cannot carry on business activity. Thus, the purpose of the representative office is to perform activities such as promotions, exhibitions, demonstrations, training and advertising of products or services.

Registration of a foreign person’s representative office

the legal framework is the Investment Promotion Act, and the competent authority. The registration body is the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Procedure and documents required

Official registration document of the foreign person issued by the relevant competent authority as per its national legislation.
Official document regarding the persons managing and representing the foreign person.
Resolution of the managing body of the foreign person for opening a representative office in Bulgaria.
Special notarized original power of attorney issued by the person(s) representing the company, for the person authorised to register and manage the representative office in Bulgaria. It also is specifying the powers granted to the latter.
Original specimen(s) of the signature(s) of the person(s) being representative(s) in Bulgaria, whether by virtue of law or by special authorisations, certified by a notary public.
Document evidencing payment of the registration fee for the representative office.

Terms of registration

The registration terms are between 1 and 3 days (according to the declared wish and the fee paid).

Procedure for registration of a trade representation office

An applicant can be any resident with the right to conduct business under its national legislation. We can prepare for you all documents necessary for registration of a trade representation of foreign legal entity. Persons who are representatives of foreign commercial companies and have registered trade offices in BCCI can obtain a permit for continuous stay in the country. The term is one year (Art. 24, paragraph 1, p. 6 of the Law on Foreigners in the Republic of Bulgaria). The actual residence permit may be renewed on the same grounds after the expiry of the prescribed term.

Requirements:

Upon registration of a trade representation, you must have the funds from abroad for its maintenance. This applies also to any proceeds from SSI benefits for workers who are Bulgarian citizens. Since no representation carries on business, commercial offices are not required to file an annual tax return. For the same reason, they do not pay withholding taxes under the Corporate Income Tax Act.

Although not transact business, commercial offices are tax-liable for the social costs of staff employed under an employment contract and management. Regarding the law, transactions and payments made by residents in the country, carried out by commercial representation on his behalf or under the authority of the foreign entity, are considered as accomplished independent economic activity subject to taxation.On the grounds of Article 24, paragraph 1 of the Law on Promotion of Investment, trade represantation of foreign entities offceis are obligated to enter in the Commercial Register of the Chamber of Commerce.

When a foreign person can register as a trade representative in Bulgaria?

As lawyers in commercial matters, we will advise you that this happens when the company has got the right to conduct business, in accordance with the law of the country it had been established in.

Legal aspects in conducting business

Foreign person who has got trade representation in Bulgaria cannot carry out business on his/her behalf. This is because he/she is not a legal entity. Concluded with his/her brokerage transactions are conducted on behalf of the principal (non-resident).

Commercial representation must be recorded in the Unified Commercial Register of the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI), despite the fact that it is not a legal entity and has got no right to conduct business.

For more information about the types of legal services we offer, please contact us. As for as commercial ajnd compnay lawyer on +359 2/858 10 25, or by e-mail to: info@lawyer-bulgaria.bg.

June 18, 2018/by lawyer

Legal advices, News, Personal

Legal grounds for divorce Bulgaria

#Legal Grounds for Divorce in Bulgaria: Expert Guide by Our Family Lawyer

Our family lawyer frequently addresses the reasons and legal grounds for divorce in Bulgaria.

Hiring a good lawyer is advisable to avoid any further problems.

There are no formal impediments preventing either party from filing a petition in court.

Key Legal Grounds for Divorce in Bulgaria

1. Irretrievable Breakdown of the Marriage (Article 49 FC)

Each spouse is entitled to petition for divorce in the case of a ‘serious and irretrievable breakdown’ of the marriage.

Key Points:

– Court Ruling on Fault:

The court makes a ruling on its own motion regarding the fault for the breakdown unless objective factors are involved, which cannot be ascribed to either spouse.
-Spousal Agreement:

If both spouses agree on child custody, property division, and maintenance, the court does not rule on fault.
-Misconduct and Preservation:

Divorce is not allowed if the breakdown is solely due to the petitioner’s misconduct and the respondent wishes to preserve the marriage, unless there are important reasons for the divorce to continue.

2. Divorce by Mutual Consent (Article 50 FC)

A divorce by mutual consent is allowed when there is a serious and firm agreement between the parties.

This type of divorce is quicker and cheaper, but can only be filed after three years of marriage.

Important Considerations:
– Agreement Details:

The agreement must cover child custody, child support (minimum of 125 BGN per month per child), visitation rights, and the use of the family home.

-Language Requirements:

The agreement must be drafted in Bulgarian or accompanied by a Bulgarian version.
-Court Ratification:

The court ratifies the agreement after ensuring that the children’s interests are protected.

If the agreement is incomplete or not in the children’s best interests, the court will require amendments or dismiss the petition.

Hire Our Family Lawyer?

– Expert Advice on Divorce, Child Maintenance, and Custody: Our lawyer provides expert guidance to ensure a smooth legal process.
– Streamlined Legal Process: We help navigate the complexities of divorce law in Bulgaria.
– Protection of Your Rights and Interests:** We ensure that your rights and interests are safeguarded throughout the process.

Do you need Help with your Divorce?

Divorce by mutual consent: Article 50.FC

Where there is serious and firm agreement between the parties about the divorce, the court allows it without investigating their motives for
terminating the marriage.

A petition for a divorce by mutual consent cannot be filed until three years after the contraction of the marriage.

Agreement reached by the spouses in a divorce by mutual consent:

Above all else, divorce by mutual consent is a lot cheaper and faster, rather than filing a lawsuit. Such divorce is possible, if one of the parties is Bulgarian citizen.

Legal Grounds for Divorce in Bulgaria: A Comprehensive Guide

If you’re considering divorce in Bulgaria, it’s essential to understand the legal grounds and procedures involved. This article provides detailed information on the legal framework for divorce in Bulgaria, focusing on mutual consent and irretrievable breakdown of marriage.

Key Legal Grounds for Divorce in Bulgaria

1. Irretrievable Breakdown of the Marriage (Article 49 FC)

According to Article 49 of the Bulgarian Family Code (FC), either spouse can petition for divorce if there has been a “serious and irretrievable breakdown” of the marriage.

The court will determine fault unless the breakdown is due to objective factors beyond the spouses’ control. If both parties agree on child custody, property division, and maintenance, the court will not rule on fault.

2. Divorce by Mutual Consent (Article 50 FC)

Divorce by mutual consent is an option when both parties agree to the divorce without the need for the court to investigate their reasons. This type of divorce is typically faster and cheaper than filing a lawsuit. However, it can only be initiated after three years of marriage.

Essential Components of a Mutual Consent Divorce Agreement

For a divorce by mutual consent, both parties must sign an agreement.

This agreement may be drafted in multiple languages, but one version must be in Bulgarian. In legal proceedings, the Bulgarian version is the one recognized by the court.

The agreement must cover several critical areas:

– **Custody and Parental Rights**: Specify who will exercise parental rights and where the children will live.
– **Child Support**: Determine the amount of child support, with a minimum of 125 BGN per month per child.
– **Visitation Rights**: Outline the visitation schedule for the non-custodial parent.
– **Use of Family Home**: Decide who will reside in the family home, if located in Bulgaria.

Legal Considerations for Alimony in Bulgaria

Under Bulgarian law, alimony is only granted in specific cases. A party may be entitled to alimony if they are unable to work or support themselves through estate property due to a medical condition.

### Article 51: Provisions for Divorce by Mutual Consent

**(1) Agreement Provisions**

In a mutual consent divorce, the agreement must include provisions related to:
– Parental rights and obligations
– Personal relations
– Child maintenance
– Property relations
– Use of the matrimonial home
– Payment of maintenance
– Use of the family name

The court will ratify the agreement after ensuring the interests of the children are protected.

**(2) Incomplete Agreements**

If the agreement is incomplete or does not protect the children’s interests adequately, the court will set a term for remedying these defects. If the defects are not addressed within this term, the divorce petition will be dismissed.

Applications for Child Custody and Maintenance Post-Divorce

After a marriage is terminated by mutual consent, applications for child custody and maintenance must comply with the terms of the ratified agreement.

### Conclusion

Understanding the legal grounds for divorce in Bulgaria and ensuring a well-drafted agreement can help facilitate a smoother divorce process.

If you need assistance, consider consulting a professional family lawyer to navigate these complexities effectively for expert legal advice and assistance! 📞📧

**Bulgarian Family Lawyer: Your Trusted Partner in Family Law Matters.**

June 8, 2018/by lawyer

Legal advices

Purchase property in Bulgaria

Our law office D.Vladimirov & Partners provide a professional legal services to purchase property in Bulgaria.

The entire process of buying a property in Bulgaria is complicated so we need to check the ideal parts of the ownership right and also the land plot for lack of encombrances.

Once you’ve found a home you plan to buy and agreed the selling price, you will need to take the following steps:

Signing a preliminary contract and pay a deposit.
Signing the notary deed and make the final payment.

The buying process is generally straightforward and is often completed within a month. EU citizens can purchase and own property in Bulgaria in the same conditions as locals.

The process of property acquisition and disposal can be lengthy and complicated and we advise our clients on the significant commercial implications that might arise.

We advise on and draft development agreements, provide legal assistance in construction, planning and site disposal matters, fund-raising arrangements, freehold transfers and any associated due diligence reports.

We assist in the acquisition of real estate in Bulgaria and in the subsequent implementation of investment projects in the field of hotel management and tourism, golf courses, office and commercial buildings, industrial construction works in Bulgaria

Please note we are chariging you for real costs and legal fees, state fees and the tax for transferring of ownership). If a travelling out of Sofia is needed, this would be calculated additionally.Purchase property in Bulgaria

Property legal check-up

Working with many international clients & corporate, our law office D.Vladimirov & partners has created a stable legal work policy for checking of the legal status of your property in Bulgaria.

Acting as a qualified property lawyers in Bulgaria, we performing the legal check services for our clients, depending on complexity of every case in the Bulgarian property register.

We check in the Bulgarian property Register the status of the certain property and report to our clients the final results and warnings, if there are any.

This information would allow you to check whether there are any encumbrances upon your property, for which you do not know, for example: a mortgage for a loan, which is already repaid, interdiction, imposed by the tax authorities for unpaid tax obligations, or any other rights of third persons.

Bulgarian land investment no longer requires company !

As a result of the contractual obligations, undertaken by the Bulgarian government in relation to Bulgaria’s membership in the European Union, an important part of the Bulgarian law was recently changed.

From 1 January 2012 citizens of the EU are no longer prohibited to purchase Bulgarian land, which is in regulation.

Until this date they had to set up a Bulgarian company and purchase land through the established legal entity, as according to the old law only Bulgarian individuals and companies had the right to acquire Bulgarian land.

This led to many unfavourable consequences for foreign investors, such as paying additionally to a lawyer to establish a Bulgarian company, appointing an accountant for the relevant services and making other expenses, related to having and maintaining a company.

Preliminary Contract

The first stage in buying a home in Bulgaria is the signing of a preliminary contract. Your lawyer is responsible for ensuring that this is drawn up correctly and you shouldn’t rely on an estate agent to do so.

It’s important not to pay a deposit or sign a preliminary contract prior to performing an in-depth due diligence of the property.

Check that the property has the same dimensions as advertised, if there are any undisclosed encumbrances (i.e pending costs) and that all the necessary permissions and documentation are in place.

While some agents or developers will provide a properly-drawn up contract, some won’t – and unless you’re a Bulgarian-speaking lawyer you won’t be able to tell which is which!

For peace of mind it’s recommended that you have the contract drawn up or at least checked by a Bulgarian property lawyer.

There are a number of types of preliminary contract, depending on whether you’re buying an existing (built) property or a new property off plan (i.e. yet to be built or under construction).

Signing the Notary Act

Signing the notary act (sometimes referred to as the notary deed, purchase contract or final contract, which is equivalent to a title deed) is the final step in taking ownership of your property.

If you’re unable to be present at the signing, you can have your agent or lawyer sign it on your behalf if you’ve given him power of attorney.

You should always sign the notary act in person if you’re buying a brand new or off-plan property, to make sure that all the requirements of the preliminary contract have been met.

The signing of the notary act takes place in front of a notary public, who first checks that all the conditions contained in the preliminary contract have been fulfilled.

It’s normal for all parties concerned to be present when the final contract is read, signed and witnessed by the notary, including the estate agent, developer (for new or off-plan property), your lawyer and your translator.

Either party (buyer or seller) can give a representative power of attorney. In the case of an off-plan purchase, the final contract isn’t signed until the building is complete.

Find independent legal advice for purchase property in Bulgaria

Numerous property owners are now experiencing problems with their property because they did not seek independent legal advice and instead used lawyers and translators which were recommended by the estate agent or developer and they were acting for both parties.

Appoint a qualified lawyer, who is experienced in property conveyance and fully independent of anyone else involved in the transaction, eg the estate agent, vendor or developer.

If you need our legal assitance, do not hesitate to contact us immediately

May 20, 2018/by lawyer

Posts

Debt Collection in Bulgaria

How Much a Debt Collection Attorney Cost in Bulgaria cost ?

There are typically three main fee structures:

Legal support from a lawyer in debt collection case

– For debtors:

Legal Remedies available for Creditors & Debtors in Bulgaria

– Negotiating debt reduction:

What services does a debt collection attorney provide in Bulgaria?

How can a debt collection attorney help a creditor recover unpaid debts?

What should I do if I’m being harassed by debt collectors in Bulgaria?

When should I hire a debt collection attorney in Bulgaria?

What is the process for debt collection in Bulgaria?

How much does a debt collection attorney cost in Bulgaria?

What can I expect when working with a debt collection attorney in Bulgaria?

What legal remedies are available for debtors and creditors in Bulgaria?

Recognition of foreign judgments

1. EU Judgments

2. Non-EU Judgments

Conditions for Recognition and Enforcement

The legal steps

1. Application Submission

2. Court Examination

3. Issuance of Enforcement Order

Appeals and Objections

Special Considerations

1. Reciprocity Principle

2. International Treaties

Criminal & Defence Lawyer

Criminal litigators before the Bulgarian court :

Litigation, protection

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

Our main activity as a criminal defence law office

Documents transfer of property

List of Documents for Transfer of Property in Bulgaria:

1. Property title documents transfer of property

4. Marriage Certificate of the seller, if applicable.

Registration of a branch

In the internal relations, the branch is dependent on the trader and this dependence is manifested in different directions, for example in:

Registration of a branch

Legal Representative of the Bulgarian Branch

Registration with the Bulgarian Commercial Register

Accounting

Changing manager LLC Bulgaria

The change of the manager of the company should be entered in the Commercial Register.

Dispute Resolution Lawyers

Our legal services in Dispute resolutions:

The most usually used services are :

Trade representation office

Representative Office

Registration of a foreign person’s representative office

Terms of registration

Procedure for registration of a trade representation office

Requirements:

When a foreign person can register as a trade representative in Bulgaria?

Legal aspects in conducting business

Legal grounds for divorce Bulgaria

Key Legal Grounds for Divorce in Bulgaria

2. Divorce by Mutual Consent (Article 50 FC)

Hire Our Family Lawyer?

Do you need Help with your Divorce?

Agreement reached by the spouses in a divorce by mutual consent:

2. Divorce by Mutual Consent (Article 50 FC)

Legal Considerations for Alimony in Bulgaria

Applications for Child Custody and Maintenance Post-Divorce

Purchase property in Bulgaria

Property legal check-up

Preliminary Contract

Signing the Notary Act

Find independent legal advice for purchase property in Bulgaria

Any more questions? Call us on + 359 897 90 43 91 !

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