Debt Collection Lawyer in Kyiv, Ukraine

Updated: June 2026. Page prepared by attorney Igor Balaban.

The debtor ignores calls, the money is not returned, and the deadline stated in the promissory note or contract has long passed. Every day of delay increases the risks: an unscrupulous debtor may transfer property to relatives, withdraw funds from accounts, or leave the country.

We help recover debts through court in Kyiv and remotely across Ukraine: under a promissory note, loan agreement, construction contract, sale-purchase agreement, lease, or service agreement. We review documents, calculate the principal debt, 3% per annum, and inflation-based losses, prepare a demand letter, claim, or court order application. If there is a risk of asset disposal, we simultaneously apply for interim measures.

Yurinkom Law has protected clients' financial interests since 1992.

Important: limitation periods resumed on 4 September 2025. From 2 April 2020, the running of limitation periods in Ukraine effectively stopped: first, periods were extended for the duration of the quarantine (Law No. 540-IX, para. 12 of the Civil Code Transitional Provisions), then suspended for the duration of martial law (Law No. 2120-IX, para. 19 of the Civil Code Transitional Provisions). Law No. 4434-IX of 14 May 2025 repealed paragraph 19, and from 4 September 2025 all limitation periods resumed their running.

Calculation formula for debts arising before 2 April 2020: time elapsed before the pause began, plus time elapsed after 4 September 2025. For debts arising during the pause (from 2 April 2020 to 4 September 2025), the three-year period runs from 4 September 2025 and will expire in September 2028.

If your debt arose in 2018–2019 and no claim has been filed yet: contact us urgently. For such debts, a significant portion of the three-year period was already used before the pause began. For a debt from February 2018, approximately 2 years and 2 months had elapsed before the pause, meaning the remaining period expires as early as July 2026. For a debt from early 2019, approximately until August 2027 remains. The calculation is individual for each date: contact us for a consultation.

Quick Facts

Debt Collection Legal Services in Kyiv

Debt Recovery Under a Promissory Note

A promissory note is a valid legal document for a loan between individuals. If the text states the amount, the repayment date, and bears the debtor's signature, there are grounds to go to court. In addition to the principal debt, the court may award 3% per annum and inflation-based losses for the entire period of default under Art. 625 of the Civil Code of Ukraine. An important point: inflation-based losses apply only to UAH-denominated debts. If the note is in a foreign currency, only 3% per annum is recoverable (or a different rate if explicitly stated in the agreement).

Debt Recovery Without a Written Note

Proving the transfer of funds without a paper promissory note is more difficult but possible. If the transaction is confirmed by bank statements, transfer receipts, messenger or email correspondence, or witness testimony, we build an evidentiary case for court proceedings.

Recovery Under a Loan Agreement or Contract

A formal loan agreement is stronger evidence than a promissory note, as it sets out repayment terms, interest, and default consequences. If the loan agreement is notarially certified, in some situations a notarial enforcement endorsement may be considered as an out-of-court recovery method. However, this requires a separate assessment: the content of the agreement, repayment deadline, proof of default, the uncontested nature of the debt, and current notarial practice all matter. If there are no grounds for a notarial endorsement, a court claim is prepared. Debts arising from construction contracts, service agreements, sale-purchase contracts, leases, or supply agreements are recovered together with penalties, fines, and damages in accordance with the contract terms and the Civil and Commercial Codes of Ukraine.

Recovery of Child Support Arrears

If the paying parent evades court-ordered child support payments, the enforcement service collects the full arrears without any limitation period. If no court order has previously been issued and a primary claim is filed, child support for past periods may be awarded for no more than 10 years prior to the date of the application, provided there is evidence that the other parent evaded payment.

Recovery for Homeowners Associations (HOA)

Debts for utilities and building maintenance fees are recovered by court order or standard claim proceedings depending on the amount and whether the debtor raises objections.

Documents Required for Debt Recovery

• promissory note or loan agreement;
• construction contract, sale-purchase agreement, lease, supply contract, or service agreement;
• bank statements, receipts, payment orders;
• correspondence with the debtor via messengers or email;
• calculation of principal debt, 3% per annum, inflation-based losses, penalties, or fines;
• debtor's details: address, tax identification number, employer, known property or accounts.

When Delay Is Dangerous

The longer a creditor postpones going to court, the more options the debtor gains. Immediate action is needed if:

• the debtor is selling real estate or vehicles;
• withdrawing funds from accounts or closing them;
• transferring assets to relatives;
• changing their address or leaving the country;
• the three-year limitation period is approaching;
• the debt is confirmed only by correspondence without the debtor's signature;
• the debtor denies ever receiving the funds.

Send your promissory note, contract, or bank statement for a preliminary review. We will assess whether grounds for a claim exist, whether 3% per annum and inflation losses can be recovered, and whether freezing the debtor's accounts or property before the first hearing makes sense.

Phone: (044) 232-50-60 / Mobile: (093) 390-60-60

How Debt Recovery Through Court Works

1. Document Review and Strategy

At the consultation we review available documents, calculate the full claim amount including 3% per annum and inflation-based losses, assess the limitation period, and evaluate the debtor's financial position. This determines the choice between a court order and full claim proceedings.

2. Pre-Litigation Demand Letter

Before going to court we send an official demand letter to the debtor. In some cases this produces a result without litigation: the debtor, upon receiving a legal document, returns the funds. The demand letter also fixes the moment from which liability begins and is mandatory in certain categories of contract disputes.

3. Court Order or Claim Proceedings

A court order does not apply to all debts. It is available only in cases expressly provided for by Art. 161 of the Civil Procedure Code of Ukraine: in particular, for certain alimony claims, utility debts, and claims against a legal entity or sole trader for debt recovery under a written contract where the amount does not exceed 100 subsistence minimums for working persons.

For a debt under a promissory note between individuals, a statement of claim is typically prepared. Before choosing the procedure we therefore verify the nature of the claim, the debtor's status, the debt amount, and the supporting documents.

Claim proceedings are used when the debtor disputes the debt, the claim does not qualify for a court order, or additional remedies are needed: 3% per annum, inflation-based losses, penalties, fines, damages, or interim measures. The first-instance court in a typical case may take approximately 3–6 months, but the timeline depends on the court, the debtor's conduct, and the volume of evidence.

4. Interim Measures: Freezing Accounts and Assets

An application for interim measures (freezing bank accounts, real estate, or other property) may be filed simultaneously with the claim or even before it, under Art. 150 of the Civil Procedure Code. The court may impose a freeze before hearing the case on the merits. If the application is filed before the claim, the claim must be submitted within 10 days. An interim order takes immediate effect. The court requires a substantiated real risk that the judgment will not be enforced: for example, evidence of attempts to sell property or withdraw funds.

5. Enforcement Proceedings

Obtaining a court judgment and actually receiving the money are two different outcomes. Once the judgment enters into force, we obtain an enforcement writ and open enforcement proceedings with a state or private enforcement officer. The officer may freeze accounts, garnish wages, seize vehicles, real estate, and other assets of the debtor. In cases provided for by law, the officer may apply to the court for a temporary restriction on the debtor's right to travel abroad.

Court Fees for Debt Recovery in 2026

Court fees are paid by the claimant before filing the application or claim. If the claim is granted, the court may order the debtor to pay the confirmed litigation costs, including attorney fees, in full or proportionally to the claims satisfied.

• Court order application: 0.1 subsistence minimum for working persons. In 2026 this is UAH 332.80 (subsistence minimum from 01.01.2026 = UAH 3,328).
• Property claim by an individual: 1% of the claim value, but not less than UAH 1,331.20 and not more than UAH 16,640 in 2026.

After winning the case attorney fees can be claimed from the debtor. To do so, the agreement, proof of payment or a payment commitment, and a work completion act or description are required. The court determines a reasonable fee amount proportionally to the claims satisfied.

Need help? Call or send documents for a case assessment.
(044) 232-50-60 / (093) 390-60-60 / igor@yrin.com

Typical Debt Recovery Situations

Below are three common scenarios that clients bring to Yurinkom Law. Past case outcomes do not guarantee a similar result in another case.

Promissory Note Debt: 3% Per Annum and Inflation Losses Exceeded the Principal

Situation. A client lent funds under a promissory note. The debtor repaid part of the amount but did not pay the balance for two years and ignored the demand letter.

Strategy. Filed a claim to recover the outstanding balance, 3% per annum, and inflation-based losses for the full default period under Art. 625 of the Civil Code of Ukraine. Simultaneously applied for interim measures: requested a freeze on the debtor's bank account.

Result. The court granted the claim in full. The principal debt, 3% per annum, and inflation-based losses were awarded. Attorney fees were recovered from the debtor.

Construction Contract Debt: Contractor Did Not Perform the Works

Situation. A client paid an advance to a contractor for renovation works. The contractor did not perform the works, did not return the funds, and went silent.

Strategy. Sent a demand letter requesting termination of the contract and return of the advance. After refusal, filed a claim for contract termination and recovery of the advance, penalties, and damages.

Result. The court terminated the contract and awarded the client the advance amount, penalties, and litigation costs. Enforcement proceedings opened.

Court Order for HOA: Recovery of Building Maintenance Fees

Situation. A flat owner had not paid building maintenance and common area fees for over a year. The HOA contacted an attorney.

Strategy. Prepared a debt calculation and filed a court order application. The debtor did not submit an objection within the prescribed period.

Result. The court order entered into force. Enforcement proceedings opened and funds were recovered.

Remote Case Management

Most debt recovery cases do not require the client's personal attendance at hearings. The attorney represents the client's interests under an engagement agreement and a bar council warrant. Documents are transmitted electronically, payment is made by bank transfer. Clients based abroad manage their cases remotely without a notarised power of attorney.

Fees

Questions and Answers

What is needed to recover a debt through court?

One of the following is sufficient: the debtor's promissory note, a loan agreement, or another agreement confirming the transfer of funds or the arising of the debt. You will also need documents proving the lender's identity and a calculation of the claim amount. Any messenger or email correspondence confirming the debt will also be useful evidence.

Can a debt be recovered without a promissory note?

It is more difficult, but possible. If the transfer of funds is confirmed by a bank statement, transfer receipt, messenger or email correspondence, or witness testimony, these are grounds to go to court. Prospects depend on the specific circumstances of the case.

How long does court debt recovery take?

Obtaining a court order takes approximately 20–30 days from filing the application to the order taking effect. Claim proceedings in the first instance typically take 3–6 months. If the debtor files an appeal, add another 2–4 months. The duration of enforcement proceedings depends on the existence of the debtor's assets and accounts.

What is a court order and when does it apply?

A court order does not apply to all debts. It is available only in cases expressly provided for by Art. 161 of the Civil Procedure Code: in particular, for certain alimony claims, utility debts, and claims against a legal entity or sole trader for debt recovery under a written contract where the amount does not exceed 100 subsistence minimums for working persons. For a debt under a promissory note between individuals, a statement of claim is typically prepared. The court considers the court order application without summoning the parties; the debtor has 15 days from the date of receipt of the order copy to file an objection. If no objection is received, the order takes effect and is forwarded to the enforcement officer.

Can 3% per annum and inflation losses be recovered on top of the principal?

Yes, if the debt is denominated in Ukrainian hryvnia. Article 625 of the Civil Code of Ukraine provides for the debtor's liability for default on a monetary obligation: 3% per annum and compensation for inflation-based losses for the entire default period. These amounts are recoverable even when not expressly provided for in the contract or promissory note. For debts denominated in foreign currency, only 3% per annum is recoverable.

What can be done if the debtor is disposing of assets?

Simultaneously with filing the claim or even before it, an application for interim measures can be filed: freezing bank accounts, real estate, or other assets of the debtor (Art. 150 of the Civil Procedure Code). The interim order takes immediate effect. If the application is filed before the claim, the claim must be submitted within 10 days. A real risk of non-enforcement must be substantiated before the court.

How is a court judgment enforced if the debtor does not pay voluntarily?

Once the judgment enters into force, we obtain an enforcement writ and open enforcement proceedings with a state or private enforcement officer. The officer may freeze accounts, garnish wages, seize vehicles, real estate, and other assets of the debtor. In cases provided for by law, the officer may apply to the court for a temporary restriction on the debtor's right to travel abroad.

Can attorney fees be recovered from the debtor?

Yes. Article 141 of the Civil Procedure Code of Ukraine provides for the recovery of legal assistance costs from the losing party. The court assesses the reasonableness and proportionality of the fees. We prepare a detailed work report for submission to the court.

Are there limitation periods for recovering old debts?

The general limitation period is 3 years (Art. 257 of the Civil Code of Ukraine). From 2 April 2020 to 4 September 2025, limitation periods were not running: first due to their extension during the quarantine (Law No. 540-IX), then due to their suspension during martial law (Law No. 2120-IX, para. 19). Law No. 4434-IX of 14 May 2025 resumed all periods from 4 September 2025. Formula: time before 2 April 2020 plus time after 4 September 2025 equals the total elapsed period. For debts arising between April 2020 and September 2025, three years run from 4 September 2025. Debts from 2018–2019 may have only months remaining: contact us for a consultation to calculate the exact period in your situation.

What if the promissory note does not state a repayment date?

If no repayment deadline is stated in the note, a written payment demand is sent first. Once the debtor receives it and the prescribed period expires, the moment of default can be established and a claim prepared. The wording of the note and evidence that the debtor received the demand must be reviewed separately.

Is it worth going to court if the debtor has no assets?

This must be assessed before filing. A court judgment in itself does not guarantee receiving the money. It is important to check whether the debtor has accounts, wages, real estate, vehicles, corporate rights, or other assets. Sometimes it is advisable first to gather information on the debtor's financial position, and only then decide on litigation.

Can a settlement be reached with the debtor after filing a claim?

Yes. The parties may conclude a settlement agreement, or the debtor may voluntarily repay the debt during the proceedings. It is important that the arrangement be documented so that the creditor does not lose the right to recover any outstanding balance, court fees, attorney costs, and other amounts.

Related Services

• Civil Disputes
• Family Disputes
• Inheritance Disputes
• Division of Marital Property

Contact a Debt Collection Attorney

Send your promissory note, agreement, bank statement, or correspondence with the debtor. We will review the documents, assess the limitation period, calculate possible additional claims under Art. 625 of the Civil Code, and explain whether a claim or a court order application is the right step.

Yurinkom Law
Attorney Igor Balaban, in practice since 1992
Office: Kyiv (cases handled remotely across Ukraine)

Phone: (044) 232-50-60
Mobile: (093) 390-60-60
Email: igor@yrin.com