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What Happens If You Ignore a Lawsuit from Germany – And What You Can Do Now

Received a Lawsuit from Germany – Missed Deadlines?

Many business owners abroad are surprised when they suddenly receive a lawsuit from a German court. With busy schedules, customer orders, and deliveries, there is often little time to deal with legal documents.

The result: Deadlines are missed, the lawsuit remains unanswered – leading to serious financial consequences.

Common Misconception: "We’re Abroad – They Can’t Reach Us"

Many companies believe they are safe from legal action because they are located outside Germany. However, this belief is dangerous and costly.

Facts:

  • A German judgment can be enforced across the EU without obstacles.
  • No separate recognition procedure is required.
  • The legal basis: EU Regulation No. 1215/2012 (Brussels Ia Regulation).

Ignoring the Lawsuit? Risk of a Default Judgment

What Happens If You Do Nothing:

  • The court decides entirely in favor of the claimant.
  • The claim is not examined for merit.
  • You must pay all court and legal fees.

Key Deadlines You Must Know

Notice of Defense (§ 276 ZPO)

You must inform the court within 2 weeks (or 1 month if abroad) that you intend to defend against the claim.

Statement of Defense

After that, the court will set a deadline for a written defense – usually another 2–4 weeks.

Important: Missing these deadlines means you automatically lose – with no review of the claim’s validity.

Enforcing a German Judgment Abroad – How It Works

Process:

  1. The claimant requests a certified enforceable copy of the judgment from the German court.
  2. A certificate under Art. 53 Brussels Ia Regulation is issued.
  3. Enforcement is carried out directly by local authorities abroad.

Example: In Bulgaria, the judgment is enforced by a bailiff (ЧСИ). Bank accounts may be frozen, and assets seized.

Warning: Invoices and Payment Orders

Even if no service was delivered, you can be forced to pay if deadlines are missed.

Typical Traps:

  • An invoice is issued, although the amount was never agreed upon.
  • A payment order is filed, and you fail to oppose it in time.

No court review is required – a legally binding enforcement title is created and applies throughout the EU. The court does not check if the claim is justified.

Missed Deadlines – What Now?

In most cases, a late appeal is no longer possible. Only in exceptional cases (e.g., improper service) can you still challenge the enforcement.

So: Don’t Wait – Act Immediately!

Protect Your Business – Here’s How

  • Record all deadlines as soon as legal documents arrive.
  • Never ignore a lawsuit – even if the claim seems unjustified.
  • Immediately seek legal advice from a German attorney.
  • Scan and send all documents for review without delay.

Conclusion: Act Now – Before It’s Too Late

Ignoring a German lawsuit leads to automatic payment orders, even if no service was provided. German judgments are enforced EU-wide – resulting in asset freezes, property loss, and financial damage.

IVANOV.LAW – Your Legal Partner for German Lawsuits

If you need legal assistance or are already facing enforcement, we are here to help. Fast action protects your assets.

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