Debt collection in Europe is different than the United States. Both the success rates and the average collected amounts are higher in Europe. Furthermore, it is common in Europe for attorneys to collect your debt prior to going to court. Bierens has a team of international in-house attorneys from over 20 different countries, who are specialized in collecting small or large past due accounts receivable in Europe. Under one roof, Bierens can provide fast and successful results anywhere in Europe.

Suggestions when your Estonian customer is not paying:

  • Contact your debtor and ask why your invoice has not been paid yet;
  • Send a reminder immediately;
  • In your reminder, state a clear description of the invoice;
  • Also in this reminder, state a period of payment of a specific number of days.

Debt Collection Estonia

Debt Collection Estonia

  • Knowledge of Local Legislation and Customs of Trade

Our international debt recovery lawyers have experience and knowledge of legislation and regulations in Estonia. In addition, they are fully aware of commercial traditions and culture in Estonia. That makes it easier to get your Estonian debtor to pay quickly.

  • You Are at an Advantage with a Debt Recovery Lawyer

Debt recovery lawyers have more power to put pressure on your Estonian debtor than a debt recovery agency or bailiff. In addition, we can assist you during both the extrajudicial and the extrajudicial phase. This saves you time and money.

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  • Customised Debt Recovery

Our commercial debt recovery approach is customised to each unique case, and we provide you with tailor-made advice.

  • Straightforward Advice

We will always give our honest advice on the chances of success in your debt recovery matter. Putting your interests first is important to us; we endeavour to provide you with your options, as well as our advice on the best route to take. It’s easy to see how we put our core values of integrity and justice into practice.

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The Debt Collection Process in Estonia

The debt collection process in Estonia can be divided into two stages. During the extrajudicial phase, collection takes place without Court intervention. During the judicial phase, we do involve the Court in order to make your Estonian debtor pay. Because we are a law firm, we can assist you during both stages. In Estonia, most debt recovery matters are resolved during the extrajudicial phase, without Court intervention.

1. Extrajudicial Debt Collection

In principle, we always start the debt collection process with the extrajudicial phase. At this stage, we try to prevent Court intervention, as this can be expensive. We will contact your Estonian debtor to demand payment. In specific cases, we will also engage in a face-to-face conversation with your Estonian debtor. If the debtor does not pay within a set period of time, we can commence legal proceedings on your instruction. Announcing legal proceedings often convinces your customer in Estonia to pay.

2. Judicial Debt Collection

If your Estonian debtor refuses to pay during the extrajudicial phase, after discussion with you, we can go to Court in Estonia. We will always provide you with information in advance regarding the likelihood of success in your debt recovery matter. We will also inform you in advance about the potential costs, and we only proceed with your permission.

European order for payment proceedings:

  • In the event of an undisputed claim between two parties based in EU Member States (except Denmark), it is possible to commence European Order for Payment proceedings. The lawyer handling your case can assess whether this kind of procedure is suitable in your case.
  • For European Order for Payment proceedings, the creditor usually completes a standard form and submits this to the Court. The Court then issues a European Order for Payment. The debtor then has 30 days to state whether they object to the claim. If there is no response within the 30-day period, you may ask the Court to make the order for payment final (called a “declaration of enforceability”). This is a valid and enforceable judgment which is accepted in any Member State (except Denmark). The European Order for Payment is never appropriate for disputed matters (so not in cases where there is an argument about the invoice). The advantage of this procedure are speed and low costs (some Member States don’t even charge a court fee), but the disadvantage is that if it becomes disputed, the procedure comes to an end and an ordinary civil procedure will have to be started if the creditor wants to continue.