Question 1

What should we do on the first day after receiving a summons?

Accepted Answer

Keep the documents exactly as received, including the envelope or electronic message, record the date and limit external replies until the papers have been reviewed. Send the claim, attachments, relevant contract and a short timeline. The procedural deadline must be confirmed from the document and the rules applicable to the case.

Question 2

How long does commercial litigation take?

Accepted Answer

No reliable duration can be promised. The court, complexity of the evidence, expert work, procedural incidents and appeals all affect the timetable. We can estimate the stages from the case file and update that estimate as proceedings develop.

Question 3

Can emails and messages be used as evidence?

Accepted Answer

They may be relevant, but their weight depends on origin, integrity, context and how they were preserved. Save the full conversation and original files together with available metadata. A screenshot alone may not show enough.

Question 4

Must a formal notice always be sent before proceedings?

Accepted Answer

Not in every dispute. The contract, substantive law or a special procedure may require a preliminary step. Even where it is optional, a notice can clarify the claim, preserve a right or open negotiations, but its wording and timing need care.

Question 5

Can we freeze the other party's assets before judgment?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes, if the conditions for a conservatory measure are met. The court considers the nature of the debt, supporting documents and other statutory requirements and may require security. The application should reflect the target assets and the specific enforcement risk.

Question 6

Can we recover court fees and lawyers' fees?

Accepted Answer

The successful party may claim legal costs and must prove their payment and necessity. The court awards costs by reference to the outcome and may reduce the part relating to lawyers' fees if it finds them manifestly disproportionate. Such a reduction does not alter the fee agreement between lawyer and client.

Question 7

Can we agree to arbitrate after the dispute has arisen?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if both parties enter into a valid submission agreement for that dispute. Where an arbitration clause already exists, its scope, selected institution or rules and appointment mechanism must be checked. Some measures and the recognition or enforcement stage may also involve the courts.

Question 8

What happens after judgment?

Accepted Answer

We check whether the judgment is enforceable or final, whether an appeal is available and which obligations must be performed. If the debtor does not comply voluntarily, we assess available assets and begin enforcement within the applicable time limit. Settlement may remain useful at this stage.