⏳ What Is the Statute of Limitations?

The statute of limitations is the time period during which a creditor can legally enforce a debt. After that time, the debtor can object, and the court will reject the claim.

• Standard period: 3 years

• Some contracts or judgments: up to 10 years

• The period may restart (interruption) if the debtor acknowledges the debt, makes a partial payment, or the creditor files a claim in time.

📌 Important: Even a very old debt can still be enforced if the debtor doesn’t object!

🧾 Real-Life Example

Mr. T. borrowed 50,000 CZK from a friend. He never paid it back. After 6 years, the friend sued him. Mr. T. raised the limitation defense and won – not because the debt wasn’t real, but because it was too late to claim it.

✍️ How to Raise the Limitation Objection

• If the matter is in court: include the objection in your defense

• If you receive a payment order: file an objection within 15 days

• If the creditor only threatens or pressures you: you can refuse to pay and state that the debt is time-barred

📌 Be careful with what you say: if you acknowledge the debt or promise to pay, the limitation period starts over.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

• Believing that an old debt “is gone” automatically

• Paying or responding vaguely – without realizing it restarts the clock

• Not objecting in court – limitation is not automatic!

• Confusing debt expiration with removal from credit records – they’re different things

💬 Advice from a Lawyer

I often hear: “But it’s from 2009 – they can’t enforce that!”
Unfortunately, they can – unless you actively object in the right way and on time.
Many people lose cases over old debts just because they didn’t respond.
If you’re unsure whether your debt is time-barred, contact me – I’ll assess your situation and help you defend yourself.