Prodlení

Prodlení is the state or act of failing to fulfill a legally binding obligation at the required time. In Czech law and practice, prodlení denotes a debtor's delay in performing a duty, most often in payments or delivery of goods and services. The term derives from prodlévat, meaning to be late in meeting a duty.

Prodlení occurs in civil law, commercial contracts, and administrative contexts. Common examples include prodlení with payment of an invoice and prodlení in delivering goods by a set date. Consequences depend on the contract and statute, but typically include payment of interest on the overdue amount (úroky z prodlení), possibility of damages, and, depending on circumstances, remedies such as contract termination or suspension.

The legal consequences are determined by contract terms and law. The rate of late interest may be statutory or contractually agreed. In some cases prodlení triggers reminders and penalties; prolonged prodlení may justify more serious remedies, including withdrawal from the contract or enforcement actions.

Measurement is usually by days of delay counted from the due date. For example, if payment is due on a date and remains unpaid, the obligation is in prodlení from the next day.

Prevention and remedies include clear terms for payment and delivery, timely invoicing, and proactive communication. Creditors may claim late interest, damages, and, if warranted, contract termination, subject to the agreement and law.

Související pojmy: úroky z prodlení, smluvní pokuta, zpoždění, dlužník, věřitel.