Employment, defense and claims · Quirós & Quirós
Defense against debt claims and asset seizures in Veraguas
Sued over a debt or notified of an asset seizure in Panama? Our Santiago de Veraguas firm reviews the claim, notification, agreement and payment records.
On this page
Getting started
Key points
- Review the notice and its date at the outset.
- The complete claim and appendices are needed.
- A response requires a position and supporting evidence.
- Requesting a consultation does not suspend a deadline.
I have been sued over a debt: what should I prepare?
Keep the complete claim and attachments, the court order and evidence of how and when notification occurred. Gather the agreement, promissory note or other debt document, account statements, payments and settlements. Explain the amount you accept or dispute and any upcoming hearing. A collection letter and a court notification require different reviews; an inquiry does not suspend deadlines or confirm representation.
Response deadlines under the Code of Civil Procedure
These general rules apply to civil proceedings started on or after October 11, 2025. Earlier proceedings remain governed by the Judicial Code until they conclude, including enforcement (arts. 801, 802 and 809).
| Procedural step | General deadline | Article |
|---|---|---|
| Answer an ordinary civil claim | 10 working days | 617 |
| Answer a summary civil claim | 5 working days | 622.3 |
| Raise defenses in enforcement proceedings | 8 working days | 763 |
Articles 195 and 197 govern how time is counted: generally, the period begins the day after service. Article 243 provides 20 days when a claim is served through a judicial request on a person outside the court’s territorial district but within Panama. Article 244 provides 30 days for service through a judicial request or letters rogatory on a person with a known address abroad, subject to applicable treaties.
In enforcement proceedings served through a commissioned judge, the eight days for defenses run from the return of the judicial request to the court hearing the case (art. 763). The five-day payment period in art. 745 is separate. Review the claim, court order and proof of service before calculating the deadline; negotiations do not automatically suspend it.
Official sources (in Spanish): Law 402 of 2023 · arts. 195, 197, 243, 244, 617, 622, 745, 763 and 801–809.
Address the notice received
Send the complete claim, appendices and proof of service. State how and when it arrived, the authority and case number. These details identify the required action and applicable deadline without relying on a date calculated from memory.
Understand the claim
We separate the requests, supporting facts and evidence, then compare that account with your records. Facts may need admitting, clarifying or disputing; the defense requires a specific position on the claimant’s allegations.
Prepare the response and evidence
Gather contracts, receipts, complete messages and details of people with relevant knowledge. Explain earlier payments, agreements or correspondence affecting the claim. The lawyer examines available defenses and actions alongside procedural requirements.
If steps have been taken or a deadline has passed
Review the situation immediately using the file and records. A conversation with the other party or late consultation does not automatically restore a procedural opportunity. The analysis identifies what happened and steps that may remain available.
A defined scope of assistance
The proposal specifies an initial defense or representation at later stages. Hearings, incidents, appeals and enforcement may need additional arrangements. The litigation service explains support for the whole dispute and permits an expanded engagement where appropriate.
How we proceed
Your matter, step by step
- Keep the full notice
Send the claim, appendices, order and evidence of how and when each document arrived. A first-page photograph may omit important claims and evidence.
- Review each allegation
Separate admitted and disputed facts and identify documents, messages, witnesses and other supporting evidence.
- Define the procedural response
The lawyer verifies the deadline and procedure, prepares the defense and identifies appropriate evidence and requests.
Preparing for your consultation
- Complete claim and appendices.
- Summons, notice and proof of receipt.
- Earlier decisions and submissions.
- Relevant contracts, receipts and correspondence.
- Brief facts and possible witness names.
Fees, expenses and timing
Clarify whether the proposal covers the response alone or also hearings, incidents, appeals and follow-up.
Prioritize calculating the deadline from valid service under the applicable procedure. Do not use a number of days from another case.
How we explain your legal fees →Answers for this consultation
I have received a lawsuit and do not know how to respond. What should I send the lawyer?
Gather the complete claim, appendices, accompanying order and evidence of how and when each document was received. Add previous decisions, contracts, receipts and a brief chronology. Identify any imminent hearing or requirement. These records allow us to examine the claim, verify dates and prepare your position; a first page alone may omit decisive information. The firm reviews the matter and time available before confirming whether it can undertake representation.
Does negotiating a settlement suspend the deadline to answer a claim?
Do not assume informal negotiations suspend the deadline or replace the response. Confirm with your lawyer whether a formal step changes the deadline and keep the response ready. The file, dates and any agreement must be reviewed to define the necessary actions. Inform your lawyer of discussions and send their full terms before relying on the matter being settled.
What if I only have photographs of the claim?
Send complete, legible photographs in order, together with the notice and receipt date. Identify any missing page or appendix. This copy allows the review to begin; the firm will coordinate any additional documents needed. Do not wait for a perfect copy before reporting the claim and its dates.
More questions about this service:
- I have received a lawsuit and do not know how to respond. What should I send the lawyer?
- Does negotiating a settlement suspend the deadline to answer a claim?
- What if I only have photographs of the claim?
- Can I use the deadline from another lawsuit to calculate my current response date?
- Can I consult you if I already have a lawyer?
Working with our firm
A clearly defined engagement
- Review of the claim, service and case status.
- Preparation of the agreed response and evidence.
- Representation in agreed steps and follow-up coordination.
Our proposal sets out which of these services you need and the terms of our engagement.