Recovering a Debt Without a Written Contract – Legal Guide for Czechia
“I’ll pay you back tomorrow” – and then they pretend they don’t know you
It happens more often than you think: you lend money to a friend, agree to do a job for someone, or pay on someone’s behalf – based on trust. There’s no written contract. But when you ask to be repaid, you get excuses – or silence.
It’s harder without a contract, yes. But it’s not impossible. You can still recover your money – even based on texts, witnesses, or bank transfers. This article explains how.
📌 This article is part of a complete legal guide for debtors: Debt Enforcement in the Czech Republic – Complete Guide for Debtors (Velký rozcestník)
“How to recover money without a contract”
“Verbal agreement loan Czech Republic”
“Borrowed money without paperwork”
“Proof of debt from messages”
“Can I sue someone if it was verbal?”
If you’re asking these questions, you’re not alone – and you might still have a real chance in court.
What you’ll learn:
– When and how you can recover money without a written contract
– What types of evidence are accepted by Czech courts
– Common mistakes creditors make
– How to increase your chance of winning
– How enforcement (exekuce) may follow after a court win
⚖️ Is it possible to win in court without a contract? Yes – but…
1. Verbal agreements are legally valid
Under Czech civil law, most contracts don’t require a written form. That includes loans and service agreements – if you can prove that the agreement existed.
2. The burden of proof is on you
If the debtor denies everything, you must prove that a debt was created – otherwise, your claim will be dismissed.
🧾 What counts as evidence?
text messages or emails (“I’ll pay you on Friday”)
bank statements showing money transfer to the debtor
testimony from someone who witnessed the deal
debtor’s later acknowledgment (“I still don’t have the money”)
context or pattern of communication
⚠️ Just transferring money is not enough – you must prove why you transferred it. Was it a loan? A payment for services?
⚠️ Real case: “he gave me the money voluntarily”
Jana lent CZK 80,000 to her former partner “to help start a business.” They didn’t sign anything. After their breakup, he claimed it was a gift. But Jana had a text message where he wrote: “I’ll pay you back as soon as it takes off.” With that and a witness, the court ruled in her favor.
💣 Most common mistake: giving up because “nothing was signed”
People often say: “I have no contract, so I can’t sue.” But most everyday debts arise informally – and Czech law allows for that. The problem isn’t the law, it’s the evidence. And that can be solved.
🛡️ Lawyer’s advice
If someone owes you money without a written contract:
gather every possible piece of evidence
act quickly – the statute of limitations may apply
don’t send threats – send a clear pre-suit notice
consider legal help for the lawsuit – it’s about the right wording
And if you win in court? You get an enforceable title – and can start formal enforcement (exekuce).
I can help you recover a debt without a written contract
✔ I’ll assess your case and evidence
✔ I’ll draft a formal demand or lawsuit
✔ I’ll represent you in court and during enforcement
✔ Online legal service, clear communication, fixed prices
💰 First legal help from CZK 1,900 excl. VAT
📩 No contract doesn’t mean no rights. Let’s get your money back.
- Publikováno:
- Naposledy aktualizováno: 19/08/2025
Where do I provide legal services?
I help clients across Prague, Central Bohemia, and South Bohemia. Here are a few selected locations:
🔹 Lawyer Prague 1
🔹 Lawyer Prague 6
🔹 Lawyer Příbram
🔹 Lawyer Nymburk
🔹 Lawyer České Budějovice
👉 See all locations here:
https://www.vejmelkova.cz/en/how-to-find-your-czech-lawyer/
Do you want to know more?
Recovering a Debt Without a Written Contract – Legal Guide for Czechia
Print “I’ll pay you back tomorrow” – and then they pretend they don’t know you It happens more often than you think: you lend money