Vykdymas

Vykdymas is a Lithuanian legal term referring to the enforcement or execution of a court decision, arbitral award, or other enforceable title. It is the process by which a creditor obtains satisfaction of a claim when the debtor fails to comply voluntarily. The concept covers both monetary obligations and non-monetary obligations that can be enforced under law.

Enforcement is carried out by state enforcement officers (antstoliai) under the supervision of the courts. The legal framework includes provisions on the enforcement of judgments, civil procedure rules, and statutes defining the powers and procedures of antstoliai. The overall system aims to translate a legally binding decision into actual compliance while safeguarding the rights of both parties.

Initiation occurs after a title becomes enforceable. A creditor files for enforcement, and the court may issue enforcement orders or directives to start the process. The procedure emphasizes due notification, opportunities for the debtor to respond or challenge actions, and the possibility of voluntary settlement before or during enforcement.

Common measures used in vykdymas include wage garnishment, seizure of bank accounts, and the attachment or sale of movable and immovable property, including public auctions of assets. Additional instruments may restrict certain debtor rights as permitted by law, always within predefined priorities and safeguards. The choice and sequencing of measures depend on the nature of the claim and applicable rules.

Debtors may seek relief, propose payment plans, or request temporary suspensions if lawful grounds exist. The vykdymas framework strives to balance effective creditor remedies with protections for debtors and to fit within the broader Lithuanian civil law system.

See also: Bailiff (antstolis), Enforcement of judgments, Civil procedure, Lithuanian law.