Law firm in Riga — Debt Recovery
A debt will not disappear on its own. It matters to choose the right recovery route in time.
Unpaid invoices, unreturned loans or unfulfilled contractual obligations can cause significant losses. We help businesses and private individuals assess the options for recovering a debt and choose the most suitable solution — from a warning and negotiations to court proceedings and enforcement.
First we assess whether the debt can be recovered by a warning, negotiations or an agreement. In certain cases the warning procedure or undisputed compulsory enforcement is also possible.
We advise creditors on late payments, unfulfilled obligations and the debt recovery process. Before acting, we assess the basis of the claim, the evidence, the costs, the likely duration of the process and the actual prospects of recovering the debt.
How we help with debt recovery
Debt recovery through the courts
We prepare statements of claim for the recovery of debts, default interest, contractual penalties and other justified payments. We represent clients in court, including where the debtor disputes the existence or amount of the debt or the obligation to pay. We assess the evidence, litigation costs and options for securing the claim, so as to protect the client's interests even when the debtor evades fulfilling their obligations.
Undisputed compulsory enforcement and notarial deeds
We help assess and use the options provided by law to submit obligations for compulsory enforcement without court proceedings on a claim. We advise on claims secured by a mortgage or a commercial pledge, and on the enforcement of contracts concluded in the form of a notarial deed. We check the necessary preconditions and prepare the relevant applications and documents.
Compulsory enforcement under the warning procedure
We assess whether a simplified debt recovery procedure can be used, if the claim meets the conditions set by law. We prepare and submit the necessary documents to the court and advise on further action if the debtor raises objections. In certain cases, this procedure makes it possible to obtain an enforcement document without full court proceedings on a claim.
Recovering debts in insolvency proceedings
We advise creditors on signs of a debtor's insolvency, the preconditions for filing an insolvency petition and the lodging of creditors' claims. We prepare the necessary notices and documents and represent creditors' interests in insolvency proceedings. We assess whether insolvency proceedings are a suitable means of protecting the creditor's rights in the particular situation.
Debt recovery in arbitration
We represent clients in debt recovery disputes in arbitration where the parties have agreed on such a method of dispute resolution. We prepare procedural documents, represent the client's interests in arbitration proceedings and, where necessary, help secure the enforcement of the arbitral award.
Out-of-court debt recovery
We prepare notices and demand letters to debtors, assess the legal basis of the claim and negotiate voluntary payment of the debt. We help reach agreement on a payment schedule, repayment terms and other conditions for fulfilling the obligations. Where possible, we seek to recover the debt without court proceedings, reducing the time and financial resources the client has to spend.
Enforcement of court decisions
We help clients begin enforcement of a favourable court decision once it has been obtained. We prepare the necessary documents and provide legal assistance in cooperation with sworn bailiffs, including on directing recovery against the debtor's property, funds and other assets.
The goal is not merely to obtain a favourable decision — what matters is whether the debt can actually be recovered, and which recovery process to choose so that it is worth both the cost and the time invested.
How we work
We review contracts, invoices, correspondence and other evidence. We establish the legal basis of the claim, the debtor's ability to pay, the risks and the economic viability of recovery.
We explain the most suitable options, the expected costs and the likely duration of the process. First we assess whether the debt can be recovered by a warning, negotiations or an agreement.
We prepare the necessary documents, represent the client in court or another proceeding and, where needed, help move the decision towards enforcement. We do not allow unjustified delay of the process.
Latvian legal framework
Debt recovery in Latvia is governed by the Civil Law, the Civil Procedure Law, the Law on Out-of-Court Debt Recovery, the Insolvency Law, the Notariate Law and the Arbitration Courts Law, as well as other applicable legislation.
The Civil Law sets out the legal basis of obligations and claims, while the Civil Procedure Law governs recovery in court, certain simplified procedures and the enforcement of court decisions. The availability of a particular procedure depends on the nature of the claim and the preconditions set by law.
Frequently asked questions
Can a debt be recovered without going to court?
Often yes. Depending on the situation, a warning can be sent for out-of-court recovery, negotiations can be held, or a payment schedule agreed. If voluntary payment is not possible, we assess the options for recovery through the courts.
What should be done if the debtor disputes the debt?
The contract, invoices, payment documents, correspondence and other evidence must be assessed. Depending on the nature of the dispute, court proceedings on a claim may be necessary.
Does every debt recovery require full court proceedings?
No. In certain cases provided by law, compulsory enforcement under the warning procedure or undisputed compulsory enforcement is possible. Specific preconditions must be met to use these procedures.
Can a debt be recovered if a court judgment has already been obtained?
A favourable decision is an important step, but actual payment may require enforcement. We help prepare documents and address legal issues related to the actions of a sworn bailiff.
What documents are needed for the initial consultation?
Contracts, invoices, proof of payment, correspondence with the debtor and any reminders or claims sent earlier will be useful. The exact scope of documents depends on how the debt arose and the chosen recovery process.