Procedures
A 2003 code with cassation to the Supreme Court of Justice
The Code of Civil Procedure of 2003 allocates first-instance jurisdiction to the district courts after the 2016 map reform, with courts of appeal and cassation to the Supreme Court of Justice. Enforcement is carried out by licensed private bailiffs.
Key rules
- District courts hear civil claims at first instance; commercial specialisation is internal.
- The general limitation period is three years from when the right could be exercised.
- Appeal lies within thirty days of the reasoned judgment.
- Cassation is filtered and limited to points of law.
Governing law
- Code of Civil Procedure (2003)Law 225/2003.
- Civil Code (2002)Limitation of actions.
- Enforcement Code (2004)Private bailiffs since 2010.
In practice
The 2016 court reform merged many courts, so filing at the historic local courthouse is a common error; check the current territorial competence before lodging.