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Payment orders for unpaid debts

Payment orders for unpaid debts in practice

Your invoice is long overdue, reminders have not worked and the debtor does not actually dispute the debt; they simply do not pay. This is what the payment order procedure under Section 265 and following of the Slovak Civil Contentious Procedure Code is for. The court issues a payment order without a hearing, and if the debtor does not defend, the order becomes enforceable.

We send a letter before action, calculate the principal, late payment interest and, between businesses, the flat-rate compensation for recovery costs. We file the application with supporting evidence, and if the debtor objects, we represent you in the full proceedings that follow. Once the order is final, we can move on to enforcement. If the debtor is in another EU country, we consider a European order for payment.

What we help with

  • Letter before action to the debtor
  • Calculating principal, late payment interest and flat-rate compensation
  • Application for a payment order with evidence
  • Representation if the debtor objects
  • Enforcement application once the order is final
  • European order for payment for debtors in the EU

Worth knowing

When it fits

For money claims where neither the existence nor the amount of the debt is expected to be disputed, such as unpaid invoices, loans, rent or an acknowledged debt.

The debtor's deadline

The payment order requires the debtor to pay, or lodge an objection, within 15 days of delivery.

Objection

An objection filed in time cancels the payment order, and the case continues as an ordinary dispute with a hearing and evidence.

Flat-rate €40

Between businesses, the creditor may claim flat-rate compensation of €40 for the costs of recovery (Section 369c of the Slovak Commercial Code).

Common questions

  • The law does not require it. For larger sums, several invoices or where you expect the debtor to object, a lawyer helps you avoid formal mistakes that slow the case down.

  • The payment order is cancelled and the case continues as a standard dispute with a hearing. We represent you at that stage as well and prepare the arguments and evidence for the court.

  • If the debtor neither pays nor objects in time, the order becomes final and enforceable. It then serves as an enforcement title, and you can apply for enforcement.

Related articles

Articles are in Slovak.

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This page is for general information, reflects Slovak law at the time of writing and is not a substitute for advice on your particular matter.