CODE OF CIVIL PROCEDURE IN SLOVAKIA

This article will provide guidance on the Code of Civil Procedure in Slovakia. Central Europe's Slovak Republic (formerly known as Czechoslovakia) is an entirely landlocked nation. The Slovak Republic is a unitary state made up of eight autonomous districts. Slovak, a member of the Slavic language family, is the sole recognized language of Slovakia (similar to Czech, the language spoken in the Czech Republic).

The legal system of Slovakia follows the civil law model. Because of its historical ties to the Austrian and German legal systems, it is often classified as part of the Germanic continental legal tradition. From 1948 through 1989, during the Communist era, it was inspired by Socialist legal thought. It has been heavily influenced by the adoption of EU legislation during the 1990s.

Civil litigation in Slovakia must be carried out effectively and efficiently when cases include parties from other countries. Thus the participation of an international private Slovakia process service agency like Undisputed Legal might be critical. We aim to contribute to streamlining the litigation procedure by offering our experience in serving process across the globe. This helps to guarantee that the interests of all parties are respected.

BACKGROUND

Major bodies of law and process (Civil and Criminal Codes, Codes of Criminal, Civil, and Administrative Procedure, etc.) are written down in a standardized format, with a hierarchal structure of increasing legal authority formed by the system of legal sources. At least in principle, case law can only be derived from statutes.

The Supreme Court is the highest level of general jurisdictional court, followed by appellate and district courts. The district courts hear all matters initially save those involving the administration and a short list of civil and criminal proceedings, with the regional courts hearing appeals. The Supreme Court reviews appeals from lower courts' first-instance rulings, those from lower courts, and the Supreme Court's rulings on appeal. After the Special Court was declared unconstitutional by the Constitutional Court, the current government established a Specialized Criminal Court, a first-instance court corresponding to a regional court, hearing serious criminal offenses (such as corruption).

The Judicial Council, established by amendments to the Constitution in 2001, is responsible for the most fundamental judicial decisions, including the selection of judges (who are appointed by the president), the election of the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, organization of disciplinary proceedings against judges, and representing the judiciary in budgetary discussions.

Only experienced judges serve on panels for the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court. By amending the constitution in 2001, a significant new authority was given to the Constitutional Court in Kosice. Subject to rigorous standing criteria, the Constitutional Court has the authority to assess the legality of all laws and the conformity of lower-level laws with higher-level laws.

Since parties may often be situated outside of Slovakia, it may be very difficult or even impossible for the courts to adequately serve them with legal documents and for parties to understand the process requirements for each court. A private process service agency like Undisputed Legal can help bridge this gap by ensuring that all parties are properly served by utilizing their knowledge of local laws and regulations and expertise in international service of process. This can help ensure that all parties are properly served.

SERVICE OF PROCESS IN THE SLOVAK REPUBLIC

According to the Civil Litigation Process Law, introducing the concept or term of notice of suit (litis denuntiatio) and its connected consequences may be considered constructive. Service on an individual or natural person is made at the address listed in the Slovak Republic's Registry of Residents or on a foreign national at their Slovak Republic domicile. On reporting residence by citizens of the Slovak Republic and on the Register of Inhabitants of the Slovak Republic, a citizen may register either their permanent or temporary residence or their address of residence abroad in the Register of Inhabitants. Service on a corporation or other legal entity must be made at the registered office listed in the Companies Register or equivalent.

In cases where service of process cannot be made in this way, the court assumes the date the papers were returned as the dating service was deemed to have been made. If the deadline for service of process has passed, the addressee will be considered to have a lawful explanation for missing the deadline. The statute also accounts for cases when a natural person does not have a residence listed in the Slovak Republic's Registration of Residents. A document is considered to have been served fifteen days after it has been posted on the court's official notice board and website. Undisputed Legal can ensure that your documents comply with court requirements to ensure service is completed.

SPECIFICS OF A CLAIM IN SLOVAKIA

If the defendant is a natural person, the court cannot immediately serve notice of legal action by publishing the notice on its official notice board or website if the notice cannot be served at the address registered in the Register of Inhabitants of the Slovak Republic or at the foreign individual’s address of residence in the Slovak Republic.

The court can dismiss the claim/initial legal action and impose penalties as a matter of procedure. The accused must respond to the court within the allotted time and specify the evidence that will be used to support their case. The court will then send the defendant's answer to the plaintiff, who will once again have to file a response to the defendant's assertions in their answer and their evidence.

A replication filed by a claimant must be served to the defendant (without any contrary direction from the court) before the latter may file an answer. Within its scope, it guarantees each party the opportunity to present their case and respond to the other's arguments, suggestions, and evidence.

Unless the court rules differently, the preliminary hearing will occur before the trial starts. If that does not happen, the court should announce its preliminary legal remarks, the date it expects to hold the trial, which factual accusations are in dispute, which has been acknowledged, which evidence will be taken, and which will not be taken. The law authorizes the court to rule on the case's merits at this early stage, usually based on whether or not the requested relief is practical and reasonable. The preliminary hearing requires the presence of both the claimant and the defendant.

The Code of Civil Procedure provides for a default judgment to be entered against the claimant. Failure to present at a hearing despite timely and proper summons, failing to justify their absence in appropriate time or to notify good reason under severe circumstances, and the instruction on possible default judgment are all grounds for such judgment. If the defendant does not respond to the lawsuit, a default judgment might be entered against them. A private process service agency like Undisputed Legal can prevent missed service by serving all parties in accordance with all applicable rules and regulations, wherever they may be located in the world.

FILING OF A LAWSUIT IN SLOVAKIA

The filing date of a lawsuit is the effective date of the lawsuit. The court will notify the plaintiff that their lawsuit has been filed and included in the court's official records. Any submission that the court deems wrong, incomplete, or unintelligible will result in a request for more information or clarification from the party submitting it within a time frame set by the court, which will not be less than ten days. The court will not consider further submissions unless they are rectified or augmented to provide the information necessary to initiate proceedings.

Parties and their attorneys have the right to review and, at their own expense, create extracts, copies, and photocopies from the court case file. The court will give the respondent a copy of the claim and any supporting documents as part of the pre-trial preparation process. The court will promptly provide the defendant's response to the plaintiff. A respondent may be ordered by the court to submit a written statement on the matter if it is deemed necessary by the nature of the matter or the circumstances of the case. Suppose the respondent disagrees with the claim in its entirety. In that case, they must specify the facts that are critical to their defense, attach any documents, and identity proof to support their claims. The statement must be filed within the deadline established by the court.

Unless otherwise specified by the Code of Civil Procedure or other special rules, a court will schedule a hearing to deliberate on the topic. It will call the parties and any participants whose attendance is essential. One further area in which Undisputed Legal might be of aid is in the enforcement of court orders. In Slovakia, all court orders must be carried out by a court executor, who is accountable for following through with the order's requirements. A private process service agency like Undisputed Legal may be able to assist in locating the party against whom the order is being enforced.

FOREIGN SERVICE OF PROCESS IN SLOVAKIA

Service of process must conform with international agreements when filing a lawsuit against a defendant in Slovakia. The Hague Service Convention, formally known as the Convention on the Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Cases, is the governing treaty in Slovakia.

A separate division handles the requests for Slovak process servers. Unless it is clear that the recipient knows the document's language, a translation into Slovak is necessary. The Slovak Ministry of Justice will handle the papers and transmit them to the appropriate local court for service. The court in the addressee's home jurisdiction will hear the case. The local judge or court clerk is responsible for arranging service of process on the defendant. The local court will issue a certificate of service once the papers have been served. The duty of notifying the applicant and providing the certificate of service rests with the local court.

It takes time for the Central Authority to process documents. The next step is with the district court. It usually takes the local court at least three weeks to provide documents to the recipient. Although Slovakia law specifies time limits for taking-over court deliveries, this applies to cases when documents are sent electronically.

Serving of process in Slovakia in conformity with the Hague Service Convention is often used for the last enforcement-related step of a lawsuit. A claimant may initiate enforcement proceedings in Slovakia against a Slovak defendant who has refused to obey a foreign verdict. The party obligated to make the payment has the right to seek an investigation of the process server during Slovakia's recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments. Because of this, legal documents must be served in Slovakia in accordance with the Hague Service Convention. Undisputed Legal serves papers globally, ensuring we comply with the Hague Service Convention requirements.

Service under Article 5(1)(a) may be accomplished either by a court summons and personal delivery or through the mail (a special form of delivery, so-called ‘service into own hands,’ with the possibility of alternative service by deposit, under the strict circumstances prescribed by law). Unless a Slovak translation is included or it is otherwise clear that the recipient knows the language, the postal service will not deliver the materials. A court bailiff, police officer, municipal official, or representative from the Ministry of Justice may effect service in exceptional circumstances.

The court will issue an informal summons to the recipient and advise them of their right to refuse service. If they agree, the papers are delivered; otherwise, the request is sent back without being carried out. Service personally may be necessary under Article 5(1)(b) (i.e., no other person but the addressee may receive the document). If the addressee requests electronic service and provides the court with his electronic address, the papers (other than judgments, summons to the hearing, and documents to be handed ‘into own hands’) may be served electronically.

When it comes to the delivery of legal papers, a private process service agency like Undisputed Legal may assist in ensuring that the delivery is made in accordance with the legal requirements of Slovakia. We can assist in locating and identifying the parties to be served and ensure that the papers are served in compliance with the laws and regulations that are in effect in the local area. This may be of utmost significance in situations involving parties from other countries, in which the serving of process may be a difficult and time-consuming procedure.

OUR PROCESS

Documents can be faxed at (800) 296-0115, emailed to ps@undisputedlegal.com, or uploaded on our website. We do require prepayment and accept all major credit and debit cards. Once payment is processed, your sales receipt is immediately emailed for your records.

Drop-offs must call and make an appointment first to be added to building security to permit access to our office. Documents for service must be in a sealed envelope with payment in the form of a money order or attorney check (WE DO NOT ACCEPT CASH) payable to UNDISPUTED LEGAL INC.; Our receptionist will receive all documents. Click Here for Frequently Asked Questions About Process Servers!

DOMESTIC COVERAGE AREAS:

INTERNATIONAL COVERAGE AREAS:

OFFICE LOCATIONS

New York: (212) 203-8001 – 590 Madison Avenue, 21st Floor, New York, New York 10022
Brooklyn: (347) 983-5436 – 300 Cadman Plaza West, 12th Floor, Brooklyn, New York 11201
Queens: (646) 357-3005 – 118-35 Queens Blvd, Suite 400, Forest Hills, New York 11375
Long Island: (516) 208-4577 – 626 RXR Plaza, 6th Floor, Uniondale, New York 11556
Westchester: (914) 414-0877 – 50 Main Street, 10th Floor, White Plains, New York 10606
Connecticut: (203) 489-2940 – 500 West Putnam Avenue, Suite 400, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830
New Jersey: (201) 630-0114 - 101 Hudson Street, 21 Floor, Jersey City, New Jersey 07302
Washington DC: (202) 655-4450 - 1101 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Suite 300, Washington DC 20004

FOR ASSISTANCE SERVING LEGAL PAPERS IN SLOVAKIA

Pick up the phone and call Toll-Free (800) 774-6922 or click the service you want to purchase. Our dedicated team of professionals is ready to assist you. We can handle all your Slovakia process service needs; no job is too small or too large!

Contact us for more information about our process-serving agency. We are ready to provide service of process to all our clients globally from our offices in New York, Brooklyn, Queens, Long Island, Westchester, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Washington, D.C.

"Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of high intention, sincere effort, intelligent direction, and skillful execution; it represents the wise choice of many alternatives"- Foster, William A

Sources

1. Slovakia is one of two new countries that emerged from the peaceful breakup of Czechoslovakia on January 1, 1993, after the Velvet Revolution of 1989. (the other successor being the Czech Republic).

2. Courts are governed by Act No. 757/2004 Coll., on Courts.

3. The present Code of Civil Process, Act 99/1963 Zb1, was repealed on July 1, 2016, and replaced by the new Civiln sporov poriadok/Civil Litigation Code, Civiln mimosporov poriadok/Civil Non- Litigation Code, and Správny sdny poriadok/Code of Administrative (Court) Procedure.

So, the legislature has adopted three sets of laws: one for judicial affairs, one for nonjudicial topics, and one for administrative and judicial concerns.

4. Individuals and organizations may still choose an alternate address or appoint a proxy to receive papers intended for service of process if they so choose.

5. The court will first make every effort to determine where the defendant now resides.

6. Article 4 of the proposal allowed for both the rejection and the denial of legal procedural activities

7. in accordance with Section 167 of the Civil Litigation Process Law, properly and promptly called, informed on such judicial discretion, and provided the repeated procedure of serving process papers to both parties. Hence, a new provision allows a default judgment to be entered against the defendant, as is often the case, and against the claimant.