Letter From a Czech Bailiff (Exekuce): What to Do Now

What you can do now

1. 1

   Don't ignore it — note the delivery date

   Enforcement letters start short deadlines. Write down the day you received the letter, or the day it was delivered to your data box.

2. 2

   Check who is claiming what

   The notice names the creditor, the amount and the decision the enforcement is based on. You can also check the Central Register of Enforcements to see whether other enforcements are running against you.

3. 3

   If you owe it, pay within 30 days

   The bailiff's call to pay lets you pay the debt and a deposit for reduced costs within 30 days of delivery. Doing so keeps the costs lower and ends the enforcement quickly.

4. 4

   If you think it is wrong, act straight away

   If the debt was already paid, is not yours, or is very old, you can file a motion to stop the enforcement with the bailiff. File it as soon as possible, ideally within the same 30 days.

5. 5

   Protect what you need to live

   Part of your wage is always protected by law, and a frozen bank account still lets you withdraw a protected amount. If you cannot pay at once, tell the bailiff about your situation and ask about paying in instalments.

Deadlines and money

The key deadline is 30 days from the delivery of the call to pay: paying within that time keeps enforcement costs at the reduced level. Enforcement costs and the creditor's costs are added to the debt, so the total grows the longer the enforcement runs. A lawyer usually checks the case and files a motion to stop it for a fixed fee — ask for the price in advance.

Can you handle it yourself, or do you need a lawyer?

If the debt is correct and you can pay it, you can deal with the bailiff yourself. Get a lawyer when you don't recognise the debt, it was already paid or is very old, several enforcements are running, your wage or account is seized and you cannot cover living costs, or you live abroad and need someone to act in the Czech Republic.

Bring every letter from the bailiff, the decision the enforcement is based on, and proof of any payments you have made.

Documents to Prepare

• •All letters from the bailiff, with the dates you received them
• •The decision or contract the debt comes from
• •Proof of any payments you made
• •Recent payslips or bank statements

Frequently Asked Questions

Legal background

Enforcement by court bailiffs is governed by the Enforcement Code (Act No. 120/2001 Coll.) together with the Civil Procedure Code. The bailiff notifies the debtor that enforcement has started together with a call to fulfil the obligation; if the debtor pays the claim and a deposit for reduced costs within 30 days of delivery, the costs are reduced. A debtor may move to stop enforcement in cases the law allows, for example when the debt has been paid. Enforcements are recorded in the Central Register of Enforcements kept by the Chamber of Bailiffs.

Verified Sources

• Enforcement Code (Act No. 120/2001 Coll.) — Zákony pro lidi
• Central Register of Enforcements — Exekutorská komora České republiky

Last reviewed: 2026-10-14

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