DILV
Debt collection
Debt collection
Judicial and extrajudicial proceedings
If you have money to recover and the debtor isn’t paying, you have several legal options available—some quick, others more time-consuming—depending on the situation. We analyze each case individually and recommend the most effective course of action, whether you’re an individual or a business.
How do we collect debts?
Payment Demand
The first step, taken outside of court, is a formal notice that places the debtor in default and serves as evidence in court. A legally sound demand letter carries more weight than a simple message or email and allows for the calculation of late payment penalties starting from the date of delivery.
Payment Order
A special, expedited procedure for certain, liquid, and due claims—that is, amounts that are clear, undisputed, and past due. The court issues the order within a few weeks. It is the most effective tool for recovering undisputed commercial debts.
Civil action for damages
When a claim is disputed or does not meet the requirements for a payment order, a lawsuit is filed in court to resolve the merits of the case. This process takes longer, but results in a final and enforceable judgment and paves the way for enforcement proceedings.
enforcement in Romania
Once a court judgment or payment order becomes enforceable, enforcement proceedings are initiated. This may include bank account garnishment, wage garnishment, or the seizure of movable or immovable property. We work with court-appointed enforcement officers to carry out these proceedings.
Appeal against enforcement
If you are a debtor and believe that the enforcement proceedings are unlawful or that the debt has been paid, you may file an objection to the enforcement. The deadlines are short—15 days from the date the enforcement documents were served.
Debt collection for businesses
Uncollected receivables directly impact a business’s cash flow. For companies with large volumes of receivables or multiple debtors, we offer a structured approach: evaluating the receivables portfolio, prioritizing based on the likelihood of recovery, and conducting procedures in parallel. This is a more efficient solution than handling each case separately and without coordination.
What types of claims can be recovered
Schedule a consultation
Do you have an outstanding debt? Tell us about your situation and we’ll find the quickest solution.
Monday–Friday · including online consultations for clients living abroad
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is it worth going to court over a small amount?
It depends on the amount and the debtor’s circumstances. For amounts under 10,000 lei, there is a simplified court procedure. We assess the chances of actually recovering the debt; there is no point in obtaining a judgment against an insolvent debtor.
How long does it take to collect a debt?
By payment order: 4–8 weeks for the enforceable judgment. By civil action: 6–18 months. Enforcement adds another 2–6 months, depending on the type of garnishment and the debtor’s assets.
What happens if the debtor doesn't have any money?
Movable and immovable property, wages, and bank accounts may be subject to enforcement. If the debtor has no assets subject to enforcement, the debt remains on record and may be enforced at a later date if the debtor’s financial situation changes.
Does the right to collect a debt expire?
Yes. The general statute of limitations is three years from the due date. After this period, the right to bring a claim is extinguished if the debtor invokes the statute of limitations. Don’t delay.
