1. Do you have solid proof?

• A contract, invoice, emails?

• Is the claim due? Not time-barred?

• Could the debtor deny everything?

👉 No proof = no case. Prevention is cheaper than a failed lawsuit.

2. How much money is involved?

• For claims under ~€400, legal action might cost more than you gain.

• For higher amounts, you may recover legal fees if you win.

💬 Lawyer’s note: “For small claims, consider a demand letter or settlement. For larger claims, it’s a business decision.”

3. Is the debtor solvent and reachable?

• Do they own anything? A job? A bank account? A property?

• Are they in the Czech Republic? Are they bankrupt?

👉 Common trap: the claim is valid, but the debtor has no assets or disappeared.

4. Could they counter-sue?

• Might they claim you breached the contract?

• Could they file a complaint or press charges?

👉 Complex cases require risk assessment by a legal expert.

5. Are you ready for a long process?

• Debt recovery takes months – sometimes years

• Can you handle delays, denials, and appeals?

👉 It’s not just about law – it’s also about mental stamina.

Real-life example

💬 Client wanted to sue a former friend for CZK 15,000. Debtor was in insolvency and had no property. After consultation, we opted for a warning letter and passive monitoring – no court, no wasted money.

Lawyer’s advice

Not every claim is worth fighting for. I often ask clients: “What would happen if you just let it go?” If the answer is not much, sometimes peace is worth more than justice. But if the amount is high and proof is strong, don’t let them get away with it.