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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.

Divorce procedures Bulgaria

For many people the concept of “divorce” is associated with stress and material loss, and so many people prefer not to take action on their personal lives, hoping that over time they will all sort and do not apply for divorce.  As we interact with many of our international clients and potential clients, we realize that most people do not understand the divorce laws in Bulgaria.

They are confused about the Bulgaria divorce process in general.  But, this is totally understandable.

The law is complicated and most people are not lawyers, so they do not need to know this information.  But if you are here reading this article, you are interested.  So I am going to try to explain some of the Bulgaria divorce laws in the simplest terms possible without all the arcane legalese.

Lots of law firms have articles about different aspects of the Bulgaria divorce laws.  They tend to be short articles about a particular subtopic, or they are covert advertisements about how great a particular law firm is, rather than an overview of the Bulgaria divorce process.

What’s the Process?

There may be some variations in the process depending on the facts of your case (like, whether you have children and where you live), but most divorces with agreement look something like this:

Divorce in Bulgaria is subject to the Family law in Bulgaria, governed by the Bulgarian Family code that settles relations based on marriage, kinship adoption, as well as well as guardianship and tutelage.  In Bulgaria, divorce procedures could be done in two ways:

  • Divorce by mutual agreement or
  • Divorce through breakdown of marriage, when both spouses are Bulgarian citizens. As such, the Bulgarian legislation is applicable.

As relationships get worse, spouses acquire children, different property is acquired, but in fact the family does not exist in the meaning of this concept of morality and law.

Suddenly he / she / decides that they want more than life and divorce, which is often absolutely unexpected for the other partner who should take action to get out of this unpleasant situation with minimal mental and material loss.

Divorce due to marriage disorder is a procedure that aims to end marriage due to a “deep and irreparable” disorder (Article 49 Family code). The claim is constitutive, is brought to the district court on the defendant’s permanent address.

The court is seized with the filing of a claim by one of the spouses meeting the requirements of the CPC and containing the requisite requisites – addressee, country data, relevant annexes, etc. and the request to the court to settle a divorce due to a deep and irreparable marriage disorder.

Divorce procedures Bulgaria

The personal appearance of the parties is mandatory at the first hearing. A consequence of the plaintiff’s unreasonable failure to appear is termination of the case.

The legal procedure of divorce by claim order 

The legal regulation of the procedure has been describen in art. 49-52 Family code.,

divorce by mutual consent is preferred when both parties agree on the reasons for divorce and the court allows for the procedure to take place without investigating the cause for the dissolution of the marriage.

This is the simplest type of divorce in Bulgaria and the costs involved in the procedure are much lower than in other cases.

Spouses must come to an agreement regarding the custody of the children, visiting rights, the division of the property acquired during the marriage, the use of the family name etc.

The evidence of the deep and irreparable disorder of divorce, which is the basis for divorce cases, must be proven in a competitive process .

The Court should establish the reasons for the occurrence of a temporary and disruptive disorder, but its profound and irreparable disorder – these may be objective circumstances, and or marital malfeasance of one or both of the spouses.

Divorce procedures Bulgaria

Divorce proceedings in Bulgaria due to marriage disruption should be initiated by only one spouse . If there is mutual consent for the divorce, proceed according to Art. 50 of Family Code – divorce by mutual consent.

Account should be taken of the restrictive legal norm of Art. 320 of the Code of Civil Procedure, according to which the divorce proceedings are suspended if the wife is pregnant (until the child’s 12 months of age) if she so requests.

Matrimonial claims must also be respected. procedural consumption (exhaustiveness of the marriage process), according to art. 322 of the Civil Procedure Code and according to the mandatory for the courts Interpretative Decision No. 1 / 4.01.2001. of the SCCS of the SCC:

Art. 322. (1) In a claim for divorce, the plaintiff must provide all grounds for the profound and irreparable marriage disorder. Any reasons not mentioned, which occurred and became known to the spouse until the oral hearing is completed, can not serve as a basis for bringing a new claim for divorce.

As stated above, as the basis for the divorce claim is the deep and irreparable disorder of marriage judged by concrete facts proving it, each of these facts is in itself a ground of claim. If a plea is not mentioned in the case, it is overturned and can not serve as a new claim on the basis of that fact. Therefore, all the facts of family life justifying the occurrence of a profound and irreparable marriage disorder should be indicated by the end of the oral hearings.

All matrimonial claims may be joined together. the following claims must be lodged and considered:family & divorce lawyers in Bulgaria

  • For exercising parental rights;
  • On personal relationships and child support;
  • Using the family home;
  • Maintenance between spouses and surname.

At the request of one of the parties, the court may prescribe temporary measures on the care and maintenance of minor children from marriage (if any), the use of family housing and other property acquired during marriage, etc. questions. The provisional measures shall have effect until the final decision is taken.

When selecting a divorce lawsuit – DIVORCE by mutual consent or DIVORCE by legal claim, apart from always the individual and personal specificities of the particular case, the due fees for the proceedings should be known and taken into account:

State fee are payable upon filing of the application. It is paid to the account of the relevant District Court.

Final state fee should be paid  on the account of the respective District Court in case of divorce. 2 per cent on maintenance payments for 3 years maintenance fees for the child on bank account of the District Court.

Other costs may arise in the proceedings, such as expert opinions on one or other matter, the value of which is different and depending on the complexity of the expert’s task.

The burden of all costs in the case – state fees, lawyers’ fees, expert opinions are assigned to the guilty or ill-conscious spouse when there is a ruling on the guilt (according to the norm of Article 49, paragraph 3 of the Family Code, the ruling on wine matters is no longer official, but only if one of the spouses has requested such a ruling) or remains at the expense of each of the parties – as they have done in the course of the proceedings.Divorce procedures Bulgaria

In this comment, the issues of divorce proceedings are examined in principle.

Always consider and choose the procedure best suited to the specific case.

Our family law office provides legal consultations and representation during the contested divorce – a procedure that is quite emotional for the parties.

The information provided below will help you find more about this procedure.

If you need our assistance please call us on + 359 897 90 43 91 or send us a mail office@lawyer-bulgaria.bg

European Arrest Warrant in Bulgaria

Many clients asked for drafting and preparation of the following legal procedure for European Arrest Warrant Bulgaria. 

The European Arrest Warrant (EAW) is a legal decision issued in an EU Member State

This is a legal instrument with the purpose of detaining and surrendering an individual wanted in another Member State for prosecution.

Sometimes there are some activities for execution of a custodial sentence, or a detention order.

Our law firm, D. Vladimirov & Partners, specializes in international criminal law, particularly in cases involving

  1. drug abuse
  2. violations,
  3. money laundering,European Arrest Warrant in Bulgaria
  4. white-collar crimes,
  5. forgery,
  6. counterfeiting,
  7. fraud,
  8. financial crimes,
  9. tax fraud offenses,
  10. driving, and traffic crimes.

Our legal actitvities 

Our expertise allows us to handle international criminal law issues at a high professional level, often collaborating with foreign colleagues in

A/ Extradition or

B/ Legal work on procedures of european Arrest Warrant cases involving Bulgaria.

We prioritize providing reliable legal services to our clients as defense counsel, offering assistance in criminal and extradition order services.

The European Arrest Warrant, governed by the Law on Extradition and European Arrest Warrant in Bulgaria, aims to combat international terrorism and organized crime post-10/11/2001.

The warrant simplifies cross-border judicial surrender procedures, replacing the previously lengthy extradition processes between EU countries.

The EAW, based on the principle of mutual recognition of judicial decisions, allows for the recognition and execution of a warrant issued by one EU country’s judicial authority throughout the entire EU territory.

The issuing authority must assess the risk of inhuman or degrading treatment before deciding on surrender if evidence of such a risk exists.

Under the Bulgarian Law on Extradition and European Arrest Warrant, the Court may refuse to execute the warrant in cases of amnesty, an entered into force sentence, or if the requested person is underage according to Bulgarian legislation.

The decision on the execution of the European arrest warrant must be made within 60 days after the person’s arrest, and if the person consents, the surrender decision must be taken within 10 days.

How start the procedure ? Appealing administrative acts

The surrender procedure, initiated by a European Arrest Warrant, takes place in one of the 28 district courts.

The requested person can consent to surrender, leading to a restricted verification procedure.

If the person refuses, the court examines the legal details and checks for reasons preventing transfer, such as double jeopardy, terminated criminal proceedings in Bulgaria, or expired punishment under Bulgarian law.

Despite instances of foreign courts refusing to hand over individuals to Bulgaria due to concerns over prison conditions

Our law office, D. Vladimirov & Partners, emphasizes the need for amendments to align Bulgarian legislation with human rights standards.

If you require legal assistance, feel free to contact us at +359 897 90 43 91 or send your inquiry to office@lawyer-bulgaria.bg

What is the European Arrest Warrant (EAW) and how does it function?

The EAW is a mechanism based on mutual recognition of judicial decisions among EU countries. It involves a judicial authority in one EU country requesting the arrest and surrender of a person located in another Member State for prosecution or to execute a custodial sentence.

How does the EAW differ from traditional extradition?

Unlike traditional extradition, the EAW imposes strict time limits. The executing state must make a final decision on the execution of the warrant within 60 days after the person's arrest, with a surrender decision required within 10 days if the person consents. The surrender must occur within 10 days of the final decision.

What changes have been made regarding double criminality checks?

For 32 categories of offenses, there is no longer a need for a double criminality check. The only requirement is that the act must be punishable by a maximum period of at least 3 years of imprisonment in the issuing state. For other offenses, surrender may be subject to the condition that the act constitutes an offense in the executing state.

How is political involvement addressed in the EAW process?

Decisions related to the EAW are made solely by judicial authorities, eliminating any political considerations. This ensures an unbiased and legal approach to the surrender process.

Can EU countries refuse to surrender their own nationals under the EAW?

EU countries can no longer refuse to surrender their nationals under the EAW, except if they opt to take over the execution of the prison sentence against the requested person.

What guarantees can be imposed by the executing judicial authority?

The executing judicial authority may require guarantees, including the right to request a review after a certain period, especially for life sentences, and the possibility for the wanted person to serve any resulting prison time in the executing country if they are a national or habitual resident.

Under what grounds can the executing judicial authority refuse surrender?

Refusal to surrender is limited to specific grounds. Mandatory grounds include cases of amnesty, previous judgment for the same offense, or the person being a minor. Optional grounds include lack of double criminality, territorial jurisdiction, pending criminal procedure, and statute of limitations, among others.

How is the EAW designed to protect the procedural rights of suspects or accused persons?

In applying the EAW, authorities must respect the procedural rights of suspects or accused persons, including the right to information, legal representation, an interpreter, and legal aid, as stipulated by the law in the country where the arrest takes place.

Legal documents apostiles

A huge part of our job is preparation and assistance for Legal documents apostiles

Our team is here to help you navigate through the complex legal landscape and documents, related to your case.

Notary Services in Bulgaria

When it comes to real estate transactions in Bulgaria, a notary is essential.

Notaries play a critical role in these transactions, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and that the transaction is conducted smoothly and lawfully.

They are responsible for verifying the authenticity of signatures on various documents such as contracts and Powers of Attorney, making them a crucial component in maintaining the integrity of legal processes.

Additional Notarial ServicesLegal documents apostiles

In addition to real estate matters, Bulgarian notaries offer a range of services:

– Will Deposits: Notaries can securely deposit wills, ensuring they are preserved and legally recognized upon execution.
– Vehicle Transfers: They oversee the legal transfer of vehicle ownership, ensuring all necessary documentation is correctly completed and filed.
– Certifying Signatures: Notaries certify signatures on documents, providing an added layer of verification and trustworthiness.

The Role of Notaries Versus Solicitors

In Bulgaria, notaries and solicitors (known as Bulgarian advocates) have distinct roles.

Notaries are public officers appointed to act as impartial witnesses to the signing of documents and to ensure that the parties involved understand the contents of the documents they are signing.

Unlike solicitors, notaries cannot provide legal advice or prepare documents on behalf of their clients.

However, they serve as trusted authorities in formal business dealings, ensuring the legality and authenticity of documents.

Bridging the Gap: Our Services

While notaries in Bulgaria are limited to their specific functions, our team is here to bridge the gap between needing notarization and understanding the full scope of your legal needs.

We provide comprehensive assistance to help you navigate through the legal processes, ensuring that your documents meet all necessary requirements, including obtaining apostilles.

Apostilles for International Use

An apostille is a certification that authenticates the origin of a public document, such as a birth certificate, court order, or any other document issued by a government agency. Legal documents apostiles

Our team can assist you with:

– Obtaining Apostilles:

We guide you through the process of obtaining an apostille, ensuring your documents are recognized internationally.
– Document Preparation:

Ensuring that your documents are correctly prepared and formatted for apostille certification.
– Streamlining the Process:

Helping you navigate the bureaucratic steps involved in securing an apostille, saving you time and effort.

Comprehensive Legal Support

Beyond notary and apostille services, we offer a range of legal support to meet your needs:

– Document Preparation:

Drafting and preparing legal documents to ensure they meet all legal standards.
– Legal Advice:

Providing expert legal advice tailored to your specific situation and requirements.
– Representation:

Representing you in legal matters to ensure your interests are fully protected.

Our dedicated team is committed to providing you with the highest level of service, ensuring that all your legal documents are handled with the utmost care and professionalism.

Whether you are dealing with real estate transactions, vehicle transfers, or international document certifications

We are here to assist you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you with your legal document needs.

Scope of Notary Related ServicesLegal documents apostiles

We draft and finalise all types of notary deeds — e.g. for the transfer of real estate through sale and purchase contracts, through gifts, by inheritance, etc.

We are also in a position to advise you , concerning the Legal documents apostiles, when and how to use the notarial form of contract to your advantage.

Because of our extensive experience and network of contacts among Bulgarian notaries, where more than one is available

We are able to liaise with them for you and ensure that you obtain the best service.


Verification of documents with an apostilles

Sometimes, if a document is required to be presented in Bulgaria but was signed or otherwise prepared outside Bulgaria, the document would need to be:

(a) certified; and/or

(b) apostilled

Apostillisation is designed to replace the older procedure of legalisation, and is governed by an international convention (we refer to this as “the Apostille Convention”).

An even simpler procedure may apply where the document was prepared in one of a small number of countries enjoying agreements for special assistance in civil and judicial matters with Bulgaria:

contact us to find out if your country of interest is one of these.

By far the most common situation involves documents which do require an apostille.

Apostilled documents are immediately recognised in all other Apostille Convention states simply by having a special seal (‘apostille’) attached, and can be used (subject to a certified translation) in place of notarised documents.

In property transactions, apostilles may be needed on Powers of Attorney and on several of the documents in the procedure for company registration (if a company is used).

We can help you obtain Legal documents apostiles.

You just need to visit, getting the draft of documents HM Government’s office for apostille processing.

This allows us to prepare an apostille for you and deliver the certified POA, etc, to Bulgaria within several days of your instruction.

In EUROPEAN countries, we maintain relations locally to allow us to apostille your document for use in Bulgaria as fast as possible.

Equally, we can procure legalisations, certified and sworn translations of documents and certifications of documents produced or executed in Bulgaria for use in other countries.

Contact us further for this.

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