Practice 04
Enforcement and debt recovery
Conducting and defending enforcement proceedings — for creditors who want to be paid and for debtors whose rights must be respected.
A judgment is only half the way.
A judgment or a payment order does not pay itself. We conduct and defend enforcement proceedings, including investigating the debtor's assets and imposing and realising interim measures.
For creditors we build the strategy before the case: what assets the debtor has, what can be garnished or attached, and how to preserve it until the end of the dispute.
For debtors we check the lawfulness of the private or state bailiff's actions, exempt assets and the options to stay, reschedule or terminate the case.
What we handle
Asset tracing
Accounts, real estate, vehicles, receivables from third parties and shares in companies.
Interim measures
Garnishments and attachments before or during the case, so assets are not dissipated.
Opening and running cases
Writs of execution, applications for enforcement measures, distribution of proceeds.
Complaints against bailiffs
Challenging unlawful actions and omissions of the bailiff.
Debtor defence
Exempt income and assets, excessive costs, limitation, stays and termination.
Claims in enforcement
Negative declaratory claims, third-party claims and protection of ownership.
Public sales
Participating in the sale, objecting to the valuation and protecting your position at award.
Public receivables
Defence against compulsory collection by the tax authority and municipalities.
How an engagement runs
- 01
Title
We check the judgment, order or decision — exactly what can be recovered.
- 02
Assets
We investigate the assets and choose the fastest lawful measure.
- 03
Measures
We impose or challenge garnishments and attachments in time.
- 04
Result
We follow the distribution of proceeds and the closing of the case.
Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions
01What is the deadline to complain about a bailiff's action?
One week — from the action if the party was present or summoned, otherwise from the notice. Not every action can be challenged, so the papers should be reviewed immediately.
02Can my entire salary be garnished?
No. The law protects part of salaries and pensions from garnishment, and the amount withheld depends on income and on whether the debtor supports children. Maintenance claims follow special rules.
03What does an attachment on property mean?
An attachment does not take away ownership, but any disposal of the property cannot be relied on against the creditor. It is a protective measure; the property is sold only if enforcement reaches a public sale.
04How do we recover from a counterparty that does not pay?
Usually with a demand, then a payment order or a claim, and where needed interim measures from the outset. The choice depends on the amount, the documents and the debtor's assets.
Related
Related practice areas
Distressed loans and restructuring
When repayments become unmanageable: renegotiation, rescheduling, refinancing and defence against acceleration and assignment.
Learn more
Litigation and arbitration
Court representation before every court in Bulgaria — including both Supreme Courts — and before competition and consumer authorities and arbitral tribunals.
Learn more
Banking and finance
Loan agreements, security, mortgages, leasing and dealings with banks and non-bank lenders — from negotiation to dispute.
Learn more
Consultation
Tell us about your case.
Describe the matter briefly — we will contact you to arrange a meeting. If a deadline is about to expire, call directly.