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Child maintenance Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, a child maintenance case is often initiated when two parents, who were cohabiting without formal marriage, separate and one parent stops contributing adequately to the child’s financial needs.

When a child remains in the care of one parent, and the other either fails to provide support or contributes insufficiently, the custodial parent has the right to file for child maintenance under the Bulgarian Family Code.

Resolving Family Issues Amicably

When it comes to family matters, especially child maintenance, it is always advisable to first attempt resolution through dialogue and mutual compromise, prioritizing the child’s best interests.

Engaging a specialized family law lawyer can help facilitate productive negotiations, helping both parties reach a fair agreement without litigation.

However, if peaceful negotiations fail, turning to the courts may become necessary to secure the child’s rightful financial support.

Child Maintenance Without Marriage

Child maintenance cases in Bulgaria frequently involve children born out of wedlock.

Unlike during divorce proceedings, where the court is required to address child support, children born without marriage still have the same rights as those born within a marriage, including the right to receive alimony.

The custodial parent has the right to seek legal recourse if the non-custodial parent neglects their financial responsibilities.

When Should You File a Child Maintenance Case?

Not every separation between parents necessitates filing a maintenance claim.

In situations where both parents continue to meet the child’s needs through mutual agreement, litigation may be unnecessary.

However, due to the unpredictability of future circumstances, it is often wise for separated parents to formalize their agreements, even outside of court, to establish clear guidelines for their future co-parenting relationship.

If the non-custodial parent refuses to pay maintenance despite their financial ability and ignores attempts to settle the matter amicably, the custodial parent should not hesitate to file a claim for child support in court.

Delaying legal action could result in depriving the child of essential financial resources.

What Amount of Child Maintenance Can Be Claimed?

One of the most common questions in child support cases is regarding the amount that can be claimed.

The answer depends on several factors, such as the child’s specific needs, monthly expenses, and any additional costs for medical treatments, education, or extracurricular activities.

The court will also consider the non-custodial parent’s financial capacity when determining the final amount.

By law, the minimum amount of child maintenance cannot be less than 25% of the minimum wage in Bulgaria.

As of January 1, 2024, the minimum wage is BGN 933, making the minimum child support amount BGN 233.25 per month.

The maximum amount, on the other hand, depends primarily on the child’s proven needs and only secondarily on the financial ability of the parent.

It is also important to note that both parents are legally obligated to support their child. The maintenance responsibility is divided between both parents based on their respective incomes.

Claiming Past Child Maintenance

There is often a gap between the actual separation of the parents and the filing of a maintenance claim in court.

To ensure the child’s rights are protected, the custodial parent can file for past maintenance for up to 12 months prior to the date of the claim.

Failing to act within this time frame may result in forfeiting the right to claim past-due expenses.

Costs of Filing a Child Maintenance Case

In Bulgaria, child maintenance cases are exempt from court fees, meaning no state fee is required to initiate the case.

However, the parent filing the claim will need to cover their lawyer’s fees according to the legal tariff.

If the court rules in favor of the plaintiff, these legal costs can also be awarded.

Filing for child maintenance in Bulgaria is a crucial step in ensuring that both parents contribute to their child’s upbringing and needs.

While resolving disputes amicably is always preferred, parents should not hesitate to seek legal action when necessary to protect their child’s rights.

Ensuring proper preparation, documentation, and legal representation is key to a successful outcome.

For personalized legal advice, it is always recommended to consult with a family law attorney familiar with the intricacies of Bulgarian family law.

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.

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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