COLLECTION OF ALL KINDS OF COMMERCIAL AND CIVIL DEBTS

Debt collections is an “old hat” to me as I have started collecting debts since January 2nd 1984 as it is evidenced in the KIME΄S INTERNATIONAL LAW DIRECTORY

Debt Collection in Greece: A Strategic Approach Based on 40+ Years of Experience

Debt collection is not just a legal procedure – it is an art that requires experience, timing, and strategy. At George Costarellos Law Office, debt collection has been a core practice area since January 2, 1984, as documented in Kime’s International Law Directory. Over four decades, we have developed a proven methodology that maximises recovery while minimising legal costs and delays for our clients.

This article outlines our three‑step pre‑litigation strategy, focusing on asset investigation, strategic dunning, and the powerful use of ex parte court orders in Greece.

Why Experience Matters in Debt Collection in Greece

Debt collection in Greece presents unique challenges. Debtors may hide assets, delay proceedings, or simply ignore payment demands. An inexperienced approach can lead to years of litigation with no recovery.

Our extensive experience since 1984 allows us to predict debtor behaviour, identify enforceable assets early, and choose the most efficient legal path – whether through out‑of‑court settlement or expedited court measures.

Step 1: Asset Investigation – The Foundation of Successful Debt Collection

Before filing any petition for an ex parte court order or a lawsuit against the debtor, we conduct a comprehensive asset investigation. This step is non‑negotiable. We seek to answer the following questions:

• Does the debtor own property in Greece?

• What is the nature of that property (real estate, bank accounts, movable assets, receivables)?

• Is the property encumbered (e.g., by a mortgage, pre‑existing seizure, or lien)?

• What is the estimated market value of the property?

• Will confiscation and auction of the property yield a net profit for the creditor after deducting legal fees, bailiff costs, and taxes?

If the investigation reveals that the debtor has no attachable assets or that the costs of enforcement would exceed the expected recovery, we advise the client accordingly. This honest approach saves our clients from throwing good money after bad.

Step 2: Strategic Dunning – Tailored Out‑of‑Court Settlement

After a meticulous study of the nature and circumstances of the specific debt, we proceed to dun the debtor – but not with a generic letter. Our dunning process is tailored to the debtor’s individual characteristics, financial situation, and psychological profile.

The goal is to achieve the best possible out‑of‑court settlement under the circumstances. A well‑crafted dunning letter or personal negotiation can often recover the debt fully or partially without the need for court intervention. This saves time, money, and reputational risk for both parties.

We resort to court measures only when it is evident that dunning would be futile – for example, when the debtor has a history of asset concealment or has already fled Greece.

Step 3: Ex Parte Court Order – The Fast Track to Enforcement

Whenever permitted by Greek law, we prefer obtaining an ex parte court order rather than filing a regular lawsuit. Why? Because an ex parte order can be rendered in 20 to 30 days, whereas a standard lawsuit on the same factual context may take 1 to 4.5 years to reach a final judgment.

An ex parte order is issued by the court without prior notice to the debtor, based solely on the creditor’s petition and evidence. This prevents the debtor from hiding assets or transferring property before enforcement begins. Once the order is issued, enforcement measures (such as asset freezing or seizure) can follow almost immediately.

Of course, ex parte orders are not available in every type of dispute. Our firm evaluates each case to determine whether this accelerated procedure is legally permissible and strategically advantageous. In most commercial debt collection matters, it is a game‑changer.

Conclusion: A Three‑Step Strategy That Delivers Results

To summarise, our approach to debt collection in Greece is built on:

1. Asset investigation – to confirm that recovery is realistic and profitable.

2. Strategic dunning – to achieve out‑of‑court settlement whenever possible.

3. Ex parte court orders – to obtain enforceable judgments in 20‑30 days instead of years.

With over 40 years of experience documented in Kime’s International Law Directory, we have the knowledge and the track record to help you recover what you are owed.

Call to Action

If you have a debt to collect in Greece – whether commercial or civil – contact George Costarellos Law Office today for a free initial assessment.

📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Call: +30 693 642 8888
🏢 Address: 8 Solonos Street, GR‑182 33 Athens, Greece

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