Mgr. ANNA VEJMELKOVÁ, advokát

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How to File a Claim for Payment – Clear and Error-Free Guide

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🧨 You’ve tried everything. Still nothing.

Someone owes you money. You tried to talk, sent emails, maybe even a formal letter. Still no result. Perhaps you even sent a pre-lawsuit notice. But silence or excuses is all you got. Now what? It’s time to go to court.

Many people avoid court out of fear – that it’s expensive, complicated, and takes forever. But the truth is, a poorly written or missing claim is one of the main reasons people lose their right to payment. Let me walk you through it.

People often search: how to sue a debtor, claim for payment template, sample lawsuit for unpaid invoice, how to collect a debt in court, court fee for debt claim. These often lead to shady templates or vague guides. Here you’ll find a clear, detailed explanation from a lawyer who handles debt collection daily.

🔎 What you’ll learn in this article

✅ When it’s time to file a lawsuit
✅ What documents to attach
✅ How to write a clear and valid claim
✅ How much the court fees are
✅ When to try a payment order instead
✅ Common mistakes that can get your case dismissed

🧭 What is a payment claim?

A payment claim is a formal lawsuit filed with the court asking that the debtor be ordered to pay a specific amount of money. This may include:

  • unpaid invoices,

  • unreturned loans,

  • advance payments never delivered,

  • damages,

  • unpaid rent,

  • and other money-based claims.

The goal is to obtain a final and enforceable court decision, which can then serve as a basis for enforcement (e.g. through a bailiff or enforcement officer).


📄 What should the claim include?

Czech law requires specific elements in every court filing. Your lawsuit must include:

  • Identification of both parties: name, address (or company ID).

  • Description of the facts: how and when the claim arose.

  • List of evidence: contract, invoice, emails, letters, bank statements.

  • Exact claim wording: e.g. “Plaintiff requests that the defendant be ordered to pay CZK 50,000 plus interest.”

  • Signature and date.

Always attach clear copies of your key documents and proof of delivery of any prior notices.


💸 How much is the court fee?

The court fee for a monetary claim is:

  • Up to CZK 20,000 → CZK 1,000

  • Over CZK 20,000 → 5% of the claimed amount (e.g. CZK 50,000 = CZK 2,500)

The fee is paid by bank transfer or court stamps, and the claim is generally not processed without payment.


⚖️ When is a payment order better?

If the debt is clear and undisputed, a payment order (platební rozkaz) might be faster and cheaper. The court can issue a decision without a hearing. It’s often the quickest route. More details on this option are in the next article. (→ More here)


❌ Most common claim mistakes

  1. Missing evidence – without proof, your case may fail.

  2. Unclear wording – the court doesn’t know what to rule.

  3. Wrong defendant – a dissolved or renamed company.

  4. No proof of prior notice – may affect cost reimbursement.

  5. Ignoring court requests – failing to respond can end the case.


🧠 Lawyer’s tip

Filing a claim may seem simple, but the devil is in the details. I often help clients fix rejected claims – sometimes when it’s too late. If you want to avoid delays or even the loss of your right to payment, get it right from the start.

💬 Need help filing your lawsuit?

✔ I’ll prepare your claim, including attachments
✔ I’ll help you file a payment order if it’s faster
✔ I offer fixed-price packages
✔ I can represent you in court if needed

📩 Contact me through the website or email – you’ll get a reply within 24 hours.

Contact a legal professional – I specialize in debt collections.
Learn more here.

Do you want to know more?

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