Before you call a lawyer, read this.
Divorce, inheritance, a dispute with a neighbour, renting, debt, visas. Answers to common questions, what a lawyer costs, how the process runs, document templates and a glossary. With references to the laws, if you want to go deeper.
Pick an area to see the typical questions, what it costs under the advocate tariff, and the step-by-step procedure.
The legal questions foreign residents ask most.
The situations expats run into most often: divorce, visas, renting, inheritance, plus price guides and calculators. No registration, no upsell.
Do you need a lawyer for a divorce?
Not necessarily. Not for an uncontested divorce, yes for a contested one. When a lawyer is worth it, and the real costs.
Employee Card vs Blue Card
Which residence-and-work permit fits your job and salary, and how they differ for movement within the EU.
Must a lease be in writing?
The law says yes, but oral arrangements can still be defended. What that means for landlords and tenants.
When is a will invalid?
Holographic, notarial, two witnesses. The most common reasons wills are struck down, and how to avoid them.
Legal tools and calculators
Advocate tariff calculator, deadline calculator, and the Czech Bar directory. No registration.
Lawyer fees in Czechia
What a lawyer charges for a divorce, a contract, a debt claim, immigration. Under Decree 177/1996, updated for 2026.
Questions and answers
14 answers to common situations, from divorce to inheritance.
Document templates
8 free templates you can fill in online and export as PDF.
Legal tools
Czech Bar directory search, advocate tariff calculator, deadline calculator.
Lawyer prices
4 price guides based on the advocate tariff.
Procedures
4 step-by-step procedural guides, including deadlines and costs.
Legal glossary
8 terms defined with a reference to the relevant law.
Most read questions
All →Do I need a lawyer for a divorce in Czechia?
No. Czech law does not require legal representation in a divorce, and you can represent yourself before the court. A lawyer is advisable in a contested divorce involving property, child custody or maintenance. For an uncontested divorce with an agreement, careful preparation of the documents is often enough.
How do I terminate a residential lease in Czechia?
A tenant on an open-ended lease can give three months' written notice without stating a reason. A landlord can only terminate on statutory grounds. The notice must be in writing and delivered to the other party. Fixed-term leases end on the agreed date but can be ended early only on the grounds the Civil Code allows.
How long does inheritance (probate) take in Czechia?
A simple estate is usually settled within a few months. Complex estates with disputes among heirs, foreign assets or a contested will can take a year or more. A court-appointed notary conducts the proceeding and the timeline depends mostly on the estate's complexity and cooperation between heirs.
What can I do if my employer did not pay my wages?
You have the right to your wages plus statutory late interest. Non-payment of wages is a serious breach that lets you terminate the employment immediately. Send a written demand first, then you can sue and, if the employer is insolvent, claim from the Labour Office wage guarantee scheme.
How do I file a lawsuit in a Czech court?
File a written statement of claim with the competent court. It must identify the parties, describe the facts, state the legal basis, list the evidence and set out exactly what you ask the court to order. You pay a court fee, usually 5 percent of the amount claimed, with a minimum of 1,000 CZK.
Can a foreigner buy property in Czechia?
Yes. Both EU and non-EU individuals and companies can buy real estate in Czechia without special permission. The purchase is completed by a written contract with certified signatures and registration in the cadastre, which transfers ownership. Budget for the 4 percent real estate transfer tax where it applies, legal fees and cadastre charges.
What people ask most often
Frequently asked questions
How much does a legal consultation cost in Czechia?
It varies by specialisation and location. Under the advocate tariff (Decree No. 177/1996) fees are either agreed contractually or set by the tariff. Prague firms serving expats typically charge 2,500 to 5,000 CZK per hour plus VAT. Indicative rates are on the Czech Bar Association site.
What is the limitation period for civil claims?
Under the Civil Code (Act No. 89/2012) the general limitation period is three years from the day the right could first be exercised. An objective limit of ten years also applies. Source: Civil Code.
What can I do if my employer has not paid my wages?
Under the Labour Code (Act No. 262/2006) you are entitled to your wages and late interest. Non-payment is a serious breach that lets you terminate the employment immediately. Send a written demand, then sue if needed.
When is legal representation by an advocate required?
Representation by an advocate is mandatory before the Supreme Court and the Constitutional Court. In other proceedings it is not required, but is advisable in complex cases. Source: Czech Bar Association.
How do I file a lawsuit in Czechia?
File a written statement of claim with the competent court. It must identify the parties, describe the facts, list the evidence and state the relief sought. The court fee follows Act No. 549/1991. Forms are on justice.cz.
This text is general and informative and is drawn from publicly available laws of the Czech Republic. It does not replace individual legal advice from an advocate. Before deciding a specific matter, we recommend consulting a qualified lawyer.