{"id":14613,"date":"2025-06-05T11:28:34","date_gmt":"2025-06-05T16:28:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nexo.legal\/?p=14613"},"modified":"2025-07-15T17:20:09","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T22:20:09","slug":"filing-a-lawsuit-in-colombia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/nexo.legal\/es\/filing-a-lawsuit-in-colombia\/","title":{"rendered":"Todo lo que debes saber antes de presentar una demanda en Colombia"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThinking about taking legal action in Colombia? Whether you’re dealing with a civil dispute, a criminal case, or an issue with a government authority, this guide will walk you through the essentials of how to file a lawsuit in Colombia\u2014clearly, step by step, and without legal jargon.<\/span>\r\n

First, What Kind of Lawsuit Are We Talking About?<\/b><\/h2>\r\nBefore anything else, it\u2019s important to know what type of case you’re dealing with. In Colombia, lawsuits can fall under several categories:<\/span>\r\n
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  • Civil<\/b>: like contract breaches, property issues, or damages.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
  • Criminal<\/b>: such as fraud, assault, or theft.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
  • Administrative<\/b>: complaints against government actions or public contracts.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
  • Labor<\/b>: disputes between employers and workers.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
  • Family<\/b>: including custody, divorce, or alimony claims.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nEach follows its own process, but all require clear documentation and compliance with procedural rules.<\/span>\r\n

    \u00a0Colombia\u2019s Legal System: Civil Law, Not Common Law<\/b><\/h2>\r\nUnlike the U.S. or the U.K., Colombia follows a <\/span>civil law system<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThat means the law is based mainly on written codes (like the Civil Code, Commercial Code, and Criminal Code), not precedent.<\/span>\r\n\r\nSo, don\u2019t expect your lawyer to say \u201cthere\u2019s a case from 1999 that sets a precedent.\u201d Instead, the judge will focus on interpreting written law\u2014although high court decisions, especially from the Constitutional Court, can influence outcomes.<\/span>\r\n

    \u00a0Step-by-Step: How to File a Lawsuit in Colombia<\/b><\/h2>\r\n

    1. Consult a Lawyer<\/b><\/h3>\r\nEven if you’re familiar with legal systems in your home country, Colombian procedures are different. Having a local lawyer is essential, especially one who understands both the legal context and how things work in practice.<\/span>\r\n

    2. Gather Your Evidence<\/b><\/h3>\r\nYou\u2019ll need documentation: contracts, emails, invoices, photos, police reports\u2014anything that supports your case. Your lawyer will help determine what\u2019s relevant.<\/span>\r\n

    3. Prepare the Complaint (Demanda)<\/b><\/h3>\r\nThis document states:<\/span>\r\n
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    • Who you are suing and why<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
    • What law applies<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
    • What damages or remedy you’re seeking<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nYour lawyer will draft this using formal legal structure and references to the appropriate codes.<\/span>\r\n

      4. File the Claim in the Right Court<\/b><\/h3>\r\nWhich court? It depends:<\/span>\r\n
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      • Civil or family: Local circuit court<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
      • Criminal: Prosecutor\u2019s Office (Fiscal\u00eda General)<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
      • Administrative: Administrative tribunals or the Council of State<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nFiling is now digital in most cases, thanks to <\/span>Decree 806 of 2020<\/b>, which modernized judicial procedures.<\/span>\r\n

        5. Pay Filing Fees<\/b><\/h3>\r\nYes, there are court costs. The amount depends on the type and value of the claim. Your lawyer will guide you through payment and ensure the receipts are properly submitted.<\/span>\r\n

        6. Serve the Defendant<\/b><\/h3>\r\nOnce the claim is admitted, the court must formally notify the other party. In Colombia, proper notification is a strict requirement. If the defendant is abroad, international treaties like the <\/span>Hague Service Convention<\/b> apply.<\/span>\r\n

        7. Wait for the Response<\/b><\/h3>\r\nDeadlines vary:<\/span>\r\n
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        • Civil cases: usually 20 business days<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
        • Administrative cases: 30 business days<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
        • Criminal defense: up to 25 calendar days<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
        • Tutela (urgent constitutional claims): only 48 hours!<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n

          8. Attend the Hearings<\/b><\/h3>\r\nColombian trials have two main stages:<\/span>\r\n\r\nWritten Stage<\/b>\r\n<\/b>All claims, counterclaims, and evidence are filed. Most communication happens via email or digital platforms.<\/span>\r\n\r\nOral Stage<\/b>\r\n<\/b>Two key hearings take place:<\/span>\r\n
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          • A preliminary hearing (to address objections)<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
          • A trial hearing (to present evidence and arguments)<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nMost hearings are virtual by default, unless the judge orders otherwise.<\/span>\r\n

            How Long Do You Have to File?<\/b><\/h2>\r\nIn Colombia, every type of legal action has a time limit\u2014you can\u2019t just sue whenever you feel like it. These <\/span>statutes of limitation<\/b> are strict, and if you miss them, you could lose your right to take legal action altogether.<\/span>\r\n\r\nHere\u2019s a breakdown:<\/span>\r\n
              \r\n \t
            • For <\/span>civil claims<\/b>, such as contract disputes or property issues, the general time limit is <\/span>10 years<\/b>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
            • If you’re trying to enforce a debt or a judgment (an <\/span>executory proceeding<\/b>), you have <\/span>5 years<\/b> to act.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
            • For <\/span>administrative cases<\/b>\u2014for example, challenging a government decision\u2014the deadline can be as short as <\/span>6 months<\/b> (especially if it’s against an administrative act), and up to <\/span>2 years<\/b> for claims involving public contracts.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
            • In <\/span>criminal cases<\/b>, the deadline depends on the seriousness of the crime, but most range between <\/span>5 and 10 years<\/b>.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
            • Tutela actions<\/b>, which protect fundamental rights, are urgent by nature and should be filed <\/span>as soon as the violation occurs<\/b>\u2014often within just a few days.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n\ud83d\udc49 <\/span>Bottom line<\/b>: Don\u2019t wait too long. The sooner you speak to a lawyer, the better your chances of having your case admitted.<\/span>\r\n

              Where Do You File Your Complaint?<\/b><\/h2>\r\nHere\u2019s a quick guide to the right places, depending on your case:<\/span>\r\n
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              • For criminal matters<\/b>:<\/span>\r\n<\/span>\u2013 Fiscal\u00eda General de la Naci\u00f3n<\/span>\r\n<\/span>\u2013 Police (DIJIN, SIJIN)<\/span>\r\n<\/span>\u2013 GAULA (in cases of extortion or kidnapping)<\/span>\r\n<\/span>\u2013 CAPIV (for victims of violent crimes)<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
              • For family\/domestic violence<\/b>:<\/span>\r\n<\/span>\u2013 Comisar\u00edas de Familia (Family Police Stations)<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
              • For civil and labor claims<\/b>:<\/span>\r\n<\/span>\u2013 Circuit courts or labor judges<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
              • For administrative actions<\/b>:<\/span>\r\n<\/span>\u2013 Administrative tribunals or the Consejo de Estado<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n \r\n

                Can You File Online?<\/b><\/h2>\r\nYes. Since 2020, <\/span>most lawsuits in Colombia can be filed online<\/b>. Here\u2019s what you need:<\/span>\r\n
                  \r\n \t
                • A digital copy of your claim<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
                • Email addresses for all parties<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
                • Your lawyer must file the claim via an authorized platform<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
                • If the defendant doesn\u2019t receive the claim via email, the case may be rejected, so service is crucial<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\nOnline trials are common, but you\u2019ll need stable internet and access to a computer for hearings.<\/span>\r\n\r\n \r\n

                  \u2757What If You Live Outside Colombia?<\/b><\/h2>\r\nYou can still file a lawsuit. Most procedures can be handled remotely through:<\/span>\r\n
                    \r\n \t
                  • A <\/span>power of attorney<\/b> granted to your lawyer<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
                  • Email and virtual filing platforms<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
                  • International service protocols for defendants outside Colombia<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n \r\n

                    \u00a0Common Questions<\/b><\/h2>\r\nCan I file a lawsuit without a lawyer?<\/b>\r\n<\/b>Yes, but it’s strongly discouraged unless it’s a very minor claim (like in small claims court). Colombian procedures are formal and technical.<\/span>\r\n\r\nHow long does a lawsuit take?<\/b>\r\n<\/b>Depending on complexity, anywhere from 3 months (tutela) to 2\u20133 years (civil or criminal cases). Delays are common.<\/span>\r\n\r\nWill I need to attend court in person?<\/b>\r\n<\/b>Most hearings are now virtual. You might only need to appear in person for final rulings or if ordered by the judge.<\/span>\r\n

                    \u00a0Final Thoughts<\/b><\/h2>\r\nFiling a lawsuit in Colombia is absolutely possible\u2014whether you’re an expat, investor, business owner, or simply someone seeking justice. But it’s not always straightforward.<\/span>\r\n\r\nA strong case starts with the right legal advice.<\/span>\r\n<\/span>At <\/span>Nexo Legal<\/b>, we help you navigate every step\u2014clearly, efficiently, and with your goals in mind.<\/span>\r\n\r\nGot questions about starting a legal case in Colombia?<\/b>\r\n<\/b>\ud83d\udce9 Reach out to our team. We\u2019ll help you understand your options and build the right legal strategy.<\/span>\r\n\r\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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