Employment, defense and claims · Quirós & Quirós
Civil and commercial litigation in Veraguas
We help you assess a dispute, prepare the evidence and define a strategy for negotiation or representation in court.
On this page
Getting started
Key points
- Claims must correspond to facts and evidence.
- Claims and defenses have their own requirements.
- Obtaining and enforcing a decision are separate stages.
- Ongoing cases require review of applicable rules and status.
I have received a civil claim: what should I do first?
Keep the complete claim, order and attachments, together with evidence of how and when you received them. Mention any hearing or approaching date at first contact; do not wait for every background document before asking about the deadline.
Prepare a chronology and the relevant contracts, payments and correspondence. A collection letter, a summons and a court notification need different reviews. Sending an inquiry does not suspend a deadline or mean that the firm has accepted representation.
Define what you seek from proceedings
Litigation may seek performance, payment, compensation or a declaration of rights. Preparation identifies the requested outcome and its evidence. Documents, dates and parties’ positions are examined to avoid basing claims on unprovable assertions.
Organize facts and evidence
Gather contracts, receipts, correspondence and earlier proceedings. A chronology explains the dispute’s origins and each party’s duties. The firm assesses relevant facts and information needing expansion before filing submissions.
Preparation and conduct of proceedings
Representation may include initial submissions, procedural issues, evidence preparation and hearings within the engagement. Jurisdiction, procedure and requirements depend on the matter. For existing cases, we check decisions and outstanding dates before acting.
Settlements during a dispute
Assess a settlement by what it provides, when it is performed and its supporting guarantees. Negotiation does not imply suspension of procedural duties. Any agreement must specify its effects and how it enters the court file where needed.
Decision, appeals and enforcement
Judgment may lead to appeal or enforcement stages. The quote must clarify which are included and which need a new engagement. A favourable decision is not receipt of money or property: compliance requires its own conditions and means.
How we proceed
Your matter, step by step
- Assess the dispute
Review claims, amount, jurisdiction, evidence and settlement possibilities before choosing an action.
- Prepare claim and defense
Connect each claim with facts, documents and witnesses. Include unfavourable arguments to identify gaps and contradictions before the procedural opportunities to plead and prove.
- Handle hearings and the decision
Organize participation and evidence. Afterwards, assess appeals or compliance according to the decision.
Preparing for your consultation
- Chronology and description of the claim.
- Relevant contracts and appendices.
- Evidence of payments, deliveries and correspondence.
- Complete claim, decisions and notices.
- Case and party details, if available.
Fees, expenses and timing
Distinguish first instance, appeals, enforcement and experts. Confirm included stages before starting.
Timing depends on procedure, service, evidence, incidents and appeals. Request a schedule of steps rather than a guaranteed judgment date.
How we explain your legal fees →Answers for this consultation
Do all civil cases use the same procedural code?
No. Articles 801 and 802 of the Civil Procedure Code distinguish cases begun after its entry into force from those already pending. Pending cases continue under the applicable earlier provisions, including enforcement and outstanding steps. The firm verifies when proceedings began and their status before applying rules or calculating deadlines.
How should I prepare for a civil or commercial hearing?
Review the purpose, summons, facts within your knowledge and required documents with your lawyer. Coordinate availability if witnesses or experts are involved.
Does winning a judgment mean I have been paid?
No. Obtaining a favourable judgment and receiving money are separate stages. We must examine whether the other party complies voluntarily or enforcement must begin or continue, as well as realistic recovery prospects. The firm can explain the next step and any additional expenses that stage requires.
More questions about this service:
Guides for your consultation
Working with our firm
A clearly defined engagement
- Dispute assessment and evidence organization.
- Preparation and representation in agreed court proceedings.
- Follow-up and explanation of decisions and next steps.
Our proposal sets out which of these services you need and the terms of our engagement.