Source: https://wlt.lt/en/insights/civil-dispute-strategy.html
Language: en

Civil cases and disputes

# How should a civil dispute be prepared before going to court?

A strong claim begins before the procedural document is drafted: the client’s real objective and the evidence supporting it must be understood first.

Updated 4 November 2026

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Published by Wise Law. Updated: 4 November 2026.

Consultations in this area: [Edenas Leleiva](https://wlt.lt/en/team/edenas-leleiva.html)

## Objective and practical value

The first question is whether the client seeks payment, performance, termination, protection of property or negotiating leverage. The legal claim should serve that practical objective.

## Evidence map

Contracts, correspondence, payments, acceptance documents, expert material and witness information should be assessed as a single evidential picture.

## The counterparty’s position

Even a well-founded claim may have limited value if a judgment cannot be enforced. Solvency, assets and the risk of dissipation therefore matter from the outset.

## Negotiation or litigation

A pre-action letter and negotiations may be useful, but they should not become an end in themselves. The chosen route should move the matter towards a realistic result.

## Before seeking advice

Define the desired outcome: repayment, performance, damages or termination. Collect the contract, amendments, payments, acceptance documents and correspondence in chronological order. Assess the defendant’s ability to pay and eventual enforcement separately. A strong legal argument is not the same as money actually recovered.

### Related competence area

[Civil cases and disputes](https://wlt.lt/en/services/civil-commercial-disputes.html)

## Official sources

1. [Civil Code of Lithuania](https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/TAIS.107687/asr)

2. [Code of Civil Procedure of Lithuania](https://e-seimas.lrs.lt/portal/legalAct/lt/TAD/TAIS.162435/asr)

This is general information about Lithuanian law, not an assessment of a specific case. The applicable law, procedural route and deadlines depend on the facts and the relevant date. For an individual assessment, contact the lawyers listed above.

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