LEGAL SERVICES

Recognition and Enforcement of Court Decisions and Arbitration Awards

Attorneys Specializing in the Recognition and Enforcement of Court Decisions and Arbitration Awards

When a court judgment or arbitral award has been rendered in a country other than the one in which it is to take effect, it may be necessary to initiate specific proceedings to obtain its recognition or enforcement. 

At Martínez Sanz Abogados, we provide legal assistance in proceedings for the recognition and enforcement of court judgments and arbitral awards, both in Spain and in third countries, by analyzing the applicable legal framework and determining the most appropriate strategy based on the origin of the decision, the destination jurisdiction, and the specific circumstances of the case. 

Recognition and Enforcement of Foreign Judgments

In a context where personal, commercial, and business relationships are becoming increasingly internationalized, it is essential to ensure that court decisions and arbitral awards can take effect beyond the country in which they were rendered. 

The recognition of a foreign judgment allows it to have legal effect in the State where it is sought, while enforcement seeks to give effect to the terms of a judgment when the obligated party does not voluntarily comply with its provisions. 

These two aspects are closely related, but they serve different purposes and are subject to requirements that may vary depending on the origin of the decision and the State in which it is to be enforced. 

Specialization in International Recognition and Enforcement Counseling

Handling this type of proceeding requires a preliminary analysis of the applicable laws governing the matter, the laws of the states of origin and destination, the nature of the decision, and any potential factors that could affect its recognition or enforcement. 

For this reason, we provide comprehensive legal advice aimed at ensuring the effective enforcement of the rights recognized in court decisions and arbitration awards. 

Our work includes, among other things, the following activities: 

  • Preliminary analysis of the feasibility of the recognition and enforcement of court judgments and arbitral awards rendered in Spain or in third countries. 
  • Determination of the legal regime applicable to recognition and enforcement based on the origin of the decision and the jurisdiction of destination. 
  • Handling, in Spain, of proceedings for the recognition of foreign judicial decisions and arbitral awards (exequatur) and for enforcement when necessary. 
  • Coordination with local law firms and professionals for the cross-border enforcement of court judgments and arbitral awards. 

Recognition and Enforcement in Spain and Other Countries

Each procedure has its own specific characteristics depending on the country of origin of the decision, the country in which it is to be enforced, and the type of judicial or arbitral decision in question. 

At Martínez Sanz Abogados, we analyze each case on an individual basis and, when necessary, coordinate our efforts with attorneys and professionals in other jurisdictions to facilitate the cross-border recognition and enforcement of the judgment. 

Team specialising in international law

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Fernando Martínez Sanz

Managing Lawyer

Fernando Martínez Sanz

Offices where we offer our services in international law

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