How to file a lawsuit in a Czech court, step by step

Filing a claim is a formal act that must meet the requirements of the Civil Procedure Code. A defective claim leads to a request to fix it, or to rejection.

1. 1

   Assess the claim

   Check that you have a legal right, that it is not time-barred, and that you have evidence. Without evidence a claim has no chance.

2. 2

   Identify the court

   The general first-instance court is the district court, and territorial jurisdiction follows the defendant's residence.

3. 3

   Pre-action demand

   Send a written demand for payment first. Without it, the court may deny you the reimbursement of costs.

4. 4

   Draft the claim

   Include the parties, the facts, the legal basis, the exact relief sought (petit) and the evidence.

5. 5

   Pay the court fee

   For a monetary claim the fee is 5 percent of the value, minimum 1,000 CZK, paid after the court's request.

6. 6

   File it

   File in person, by post, by data box or online. Keep proof of filing.