Civil disputes in Denmark — whether involving a broken contract, a personal injury, a tenancy disagreement or an employment matter — follow a structured legal process governed by Danish procedural and substantive law. As a foreign national or expat, navigating this system without legal advice puts you at a significant disadvantage. Globe Advokater provides specialist civil litigation advice in English at every stage of the process.
STEP 1
Free Assessment and Strategy
We review your case and assess whether you have a viable claim, as well as what the best strategy would be – negotiation, mediation, or a lawsuit. Many disputes are resolved without going to court, and we always pursue the most efficient solution for you.
STEP 2
Delivery of Quote – Fixed Price
If we decide to proceed, you will receive a written quote. For smaller cases, a fixed price is offered. For larger or complex cases, an hourly rate is agreed upon. You will know your costs upfront.
Step 3
Representation – With You All the Way
We prepare the case, draft the pleadings, and represent you in court. We coordinate with the opposing party and ensure that your case is presented in the best possible light.
Prices for Civil Lawsuits
Negotiation and Out-of-Court Settlement
From DKK 5,000
- Legal assessment of your claim and the opposing party’s position
- Drafting of a formal legal letter / demand letter to the opposing party
- Negotiation and correspondence with the opposing party
- Advisory services regarding settlement terms and recommendations
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The Simplified Procedure (Small Claims Procedure)
Claims up to DKK 100,000
From DKK 8,000
- Assessment of whether the case is eligible for the simplified procedure, pursuant to section 400 of the Danish Administration of Justice Act (retsplejeloven)
- Drafting and filing of the statement of claim (writ of summons)
- Representation during the pre-trial preparation and the oral hearing
- Advisory services regarding legal costs and risks
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Standard Civil Lawsuit (District Court)
Hourly rate from DKK 3,500 incl. VAT
- Full pre-trial preparation: statement of claim, statement of defence, reply, and rejoinder
- Presentation of evidence and summoning of witnesses
- Representation during preliminary hearings and the main hearing (trial)
- Advisory services regarding options for appeal following the judgment
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Appeal Case (High Court)
Hourly rate from DKK 3,500 incl. VAT
- Review of the District Court’s judgment and assessment of the grounds for appeal
- Drafting of the notice of appeal and the legal argument (pleading)
- Representation during the High Court proceedings
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ℹ️ All prices are indicative. Fixed prices are agreed upon individually. Legal aid insurance and free legal aid (fri proces) may cover parts of the expenses. Court fees are paid separately to the courts.
Key areas of Danish civil law
Contract disputes
Danish contract law is based on freedom of contract with important protective provisions. The Contracts Act (aftaleloven) allows courts to set aside or modify agreements that are unreasonable or contrary to fair dealing (§ 36). Consumers are additionally protected against unfair terms under §§ 38a-38c. Common disputes involve non-payment, delayed delivery, defective goods or services, and wrongful termination of contracts.
Damages claims
Danish tort law requires proof of fault (culpa), causation and foreseeability. The Liability in Damages Act (erstatningsansvarsloven, LBK nr 1070 of 24 August 2018) provides a detailed framework for calculating compensation for personal injury, including pain and suffering, permanent impairment, loss of earning capacity and treatment costs. Strict liability applies in certain commercial contexts.
Tenancy disputes
Denmark’s tenancy law is heavily regulated and strongly protective of tenants. The new Danish Tenancy Act (LOV nr 341 of 22 March 2022, replacing LBK nr 927 of 4 September 2019) governs residential leases. Common disputes involve rent levels, termination, dilapidations and deposit returns. Cases are often first heard by the local Huslejenævn (Rent Tribunal) before proceeding to the Housing Court.
Employment disputes
Wrongful dismissal, unpaid wages and non-compete clauses are among the most common employment disputes handled by Danish courts. Denmark has no general statutory minimum wage, but collective agreements and individual contracts set the terms. Dismissal of employees with more than one year’s seniority requires just cause.
The litigation process step by step
- Step 1: Legal assessment — we evaluate your claim, the evidence and the likelihood of success.
- Step 2: Demand letter — in many cases, a formal legal letter resolves the dispute without litigation.
- Step 3: Filing the claim — we prepare and file the statement of claim (stævning) with the court.
- Step 4: Preparation — exchange of written pleadings, evidence and witness statements.
- Step 5: Oral hearing (hovedforhandling) — we present your case before the judge.
- Step 6: Judgment and enforcement — we advise on the judgment and assist with enforcement if needed.
Legal aid and insurance
Legal expenses insurance (retshjælpsforsikring) is included in most Danish home and contents insurance policies and typically covers up to DKK 250,000-350,000 in legal costs with a 10% excess. State legal aid (fri proces) is available if you meet the income and asset thresholds under sections 325-328 of the Administration of Justice Act. Globe Advokater assists with both applications.
What language are Danish court proceedings conducted in?
All Danish court proceedings are conducted in Danish. If you do not speak Danish, you are entitled to an interpreter. Globe Advokater handles all communication and court appearances on your behalf in Danish, while keeping you fully informed in English.
How long does a civil case take in Denmark?
A simplified procedure case (up to DKK 100,000) typically takes 6-12 months from filing to judgment. An ordinary civil case in the district court typically takes 12-24 months. Appeals add further time. Globe Advokater works to resolve disputes as efficiently as possible, often without the need for a full trial.
Over 20 years of practical experience in handling cases
Highly professional and customer centric. We are efficient and always on the client’s side
Fixed Prices. Credible. Transparent
At Globe Advokater, we make a difference for our clients
Confidence
As the client's trusted adviser, lawyers play a very special role in society. We help people in important, difficult, and sensitive situations. The rules and requirements in the field of immigration can be complicated to understand. Complex and incomprehensible rules require specialised legal advice.
Service
As a smaller law firm, we value offering our clients specialist knowledge, dignity, and availability. Our advice is based on the highest degree of professionalism. If you need to talk more, don't hesitate to contact us. We are available and it is non-binding and free to contact us.
Experience
We know immigration law both in detail and in depth. We have over 20 years of practical experience in handling immigration law cases. We have worked in all relevant offices in the Ministry of Immigration and Integration. This makes us one of the professionally strongest law firms within our field.
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