Step-by-step instructions from a court decision to funds in your account
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You have a court or arbitration decision, but the money still hasn’t arrived. Do you know what to do next?
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Do you know how a writ of execution issued by a state court differs from a writ of execution issued by an arbitration court—and why is this important?
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How much does it cost to obtain a writ of execution based on an arbitration court decision, and how can I speed up the process?
A court decision doesn’t mean money. It’s a right to demand. For that right to be converted into money, a writ of execution and a bailiff are needed. Many entrepreneurs receive a decision and don’t know what to do next. As a result, the decision sits in a file, and the debtor lives peacefully.
This guide will explain the entire process from decision to actual collection.
What is a writ of execution?
A writ of execution is an official document issued by a state court that confirms a creditor’s right to enforce a court decision. Without a writ of execution, the bailiff is not authorized to initiate enforcement proceedings.
A writ of execution is issued based on a final and binding decision. For a state court decision, this occurs after the appeal period has expired or after the appeal has been heard. For an arbitration court decision, this occurs after a separate hearing of the application in the state court.
Writ of execution based on an arbitration court decision: special procedure
An arbitration court decision is not directly enforceable. Enforcement requires an additional step: obtaining a writ of execution from a state court.
Where to apply: to the district (city) court at the debtor’s location or residence. If the debtor is a legal entity, then at its legal address. If an individual, then at their declared address.
What is submitted: an application for the issuance of a writ of execution, the original or a certified copy of the arbitration court decision, a document confirming payment of the state fee.
The state fee after the April 2025 reform is 1% of the awarded amount, up to a maximum of €750. Before the reform, the maximum was €285; the fee has increased. Please check the current amount at the time of filing.
What a state court does: it does not review the case on its merits. It only reviews procedural aspects—whether the arbitration tribunal complied with the established procedure, whether the party was properly notified, and whether the decision is consistent with public policy. If all is in order, it issues a writ of execution.
Timeframe: Typically up to two months. If you actively monitor the progress, it will be faster. Courts respond to written inquiries regarding the status of the case.
The period for presenting a writ of execution for execution
A writ of execution may be presented for enforcement within 10 years of its issuance. This is the general time limit.
Important: If enforcement proceedings were initiated but terminated without enforcement, the filing period is recalculated from the moment the proceedings were terminated. Therefore, if the bailiff closed the case without collecting the debt, don’t wait. Monitor the situation, and if the debtor acquires assets, file again.
What happens after receiving a writ of execution?
Step one: choose a bailiff. There are approximately 70 sworn bailiffs in Latvia. You have the right to contact any of them—there is no territorial restriction. The list is available on the website of the Council of Sworn Bailiffs.
Step two: Submit your application to the bailiff. Attach the writ of execution to the application and provide information about the debtor’s assets—bank accounts, real estate, and vehicles. The more information you provide, the more effective the bailiff’s work will be.
Step three: enforcement proceedings. The bailiff submits inquiries to banks, the land registry, the CSDD (transport), and the Register of Enterprises. The bailiff seizes any assets found. The bailiff sells the property at auction if the debtor fails to pay voluntarily.
Enforcement fees: borne by the debtor. If collection is impossible, a portion of the advance fees will be borne by the creditor. Check the fee in advance.
Checklist: What needs to be done
Obtain the original or a certified copy of the court or arbitration decision
Prepare an application for the issuance of a writ of execution
Pay the state fee
File a claim with the district court at the debtor’s location
Periodically inquire about the status of the case from the court office
After receiving the writ, select a bailiff.
Submit the writ of execution to the bailiff with the most complete information about the debtor’s property
Monitor the progress of enforcement proceedings
A writ of execution is a key. But the lock still needs to be found. The more you know about the debtor’s assets at the time of enforcement, the higher your chances of getting paid.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.