Lawyer for Enforcement Proceedings in Croatia
Lawyer for Enforcement Proceedings in Croatia
Providing Expert Legal Assistance for All Types of Enforcement Proceeding
In enforcement proceedings, there are two main types of documents that can serve as the basis for initiating enforcement: credible documents and enforceable documents. Understanding the difference between these two categories is essential for creditors seeking to collect their claims, as well as for debtors who wish to defend themselves against enforcement.
Enforcement Based on Credible Documents
Enforcement based on credible documents is applied when the creditor holds a document that is not a court decision but proves the existence of the debt. Examples of credible documents include invoices, extracts from business books, promissory notes, notarized contracts, etc.
The creditor submits a request for enforcement to the court along with the credible document. If the court approves the request, it issues an enforcement order, which is delivered to the debtor. The debtor then has the right to file an objection against the order within the legal deadline. If an objection is filed, the process turns into a lawsuit. If the debtor does not file an objection, the enforcement is carried out.
Enforcement Based on Enforceable Documents
On the other hand, an enforceable document is an executive document that has legal force and does not require a court decision to initiate enforcement. An enforceable document can be a final court judgment, a court settlement, a notarial deed, or an administrative act with an enforcement clause.
An enforceable document allows the creditor to immediately initiate enforcement proceedings by submitting the document to the court or financial institutions, depending on the type of enforcement (e.g., debt collection through a bank account). In this case, the debtor does not have the option to dispute the debt’s basis because a final decision has already been made in a prior procedure. The enforcement is carried out immediately, without waiting for a lawsuit.
Conclusion
A credible document requires a court procedure for enforcement, during which the debtor can contest the debt. An enforceable document is a final document that allows for the immediate execution of enforcement, without the need for further court proceedings.
Representation in enforcement proceedings
Objections against enforcement decisions
Once the objection is submitted, the enforcement process is halted until the court makes a decision on the validity of the objection. During this time, the court may request additional evidence to ensure a fair ruling. If the court finds the objection valid, the enforcement is suspended or adjusted. If the objection is rejected, the enforcement process continues.
Our legal team provides consultation and assistance in drafting objections against enforcement decisions, ensuring that all legal deadlines are met and that your rights are adequately protected.
Wage and pension garnishment
Wage and pension garnishment is carried out when a creditor seeks to collect a debt by seizing part of the debtor’s regular income. This type of enforcement allows the creditor to garnish a portion of the debtor’s wages or pension until the debt is fully repaid. The law regulates the portion of income that can be garnished, ensuring that the debtor retains a minimum amount necessary to cover basic living expenses.
Enforcement on real estate and movable property
Enforcement on bank accounts
Enforcement on bank accounts allows the creditor to collect a debt by directly freezing and seizing funds from the debtor’s bank accounts. Once the court issues an enforcement order, the bank freezes the debtors accounts and transfers the necessary funds to the creditor until the debt is fully settled. Enforcement applies to all the debtors accounts, with certain legal exceptions that ensure a minimum amount is left for basic living expenses.
Suspension and termination of enforcement
Enforcement of court decisions
Protection of assets in enforcement proceedings
with the law and that your essential assets are protected. We help protect real estate, movable property, and financial assets, focusing on the legal restrictions and exemptions that secure your basic living needs.