100 Questions and Answers About Suing Someone in Sweden

A practical guide for anyone considering filing a civil lawsuit in Sweden.

Taking a legal dispute to court can feel daunting. What does it take to sue someone? How much does it cost? What is the process like? This guide answers 100 common questions – from your first thought to the final judgment.

⚖️ Note: This guide applies to civil cases in Sweden handled by Tingsrätten (District Court), such as debt recovery, breach of contract, damages, or housing disputes – not criminal matters.

🔹 Understanding the Basics

1. What does it mean to sue someone?
   You submit a claim to the District Court asking for a legal decision in a dispute.

2. What is a dispute?
   A disagreement between two or more parties about rights or obligations.

3. What kinds of cases does this involve?
   Civil law cases – such as debt, damages, contracts, or housing disputes.

4. Can anyone sue someone?
   Yes – as long as you have a legal basis for your claim.

5. Can I sue a company?
   Yes – both individuals and businesses can be parties in civil cases.

6. Which court should I contact?
   Usually the District Court where the defendant lives or where the dispute arose.

7. What do I need to file a lawsuit?
   A properly completed claim form and a legally relevant claim.

8. Do I need to provide evidence immediately?
   No – but it’s good to mention or attach any evidence you plan to use.

9. Do I need a lawyer to sue someone?
   No – but it’s often a smart choice.

10. Is going to court always the best option?
    Not always – try to resolve the issue out of court if possible.

🔹 The Claim Form

11. What is a claim form (stämningsansökan)?
    A document where you state what you want the court to decide – and why.

12. Where can I find the form?
    On domstol.se – you can fill it in online or download it.

13. What must be included?
    Party information, your claim, legal grounds, evidence, and your signature.

14. What is a claim (yrkande)?
    What you’re asking for – e.g. ”that the defendant pays 25,000 SEK”.

15. What are grounds (grunder)?
    The facts and arguments supporting your claim – e.g. a contract or missed payment.

16. What is evidence?
    What you rely on to prove your claim – e.g. receipts, contracts, or witnesses.

17. Do I need to attach all evidence now?
    No – but you must specify what you intend to rely on.

18. How much does it cost to file a claim?
    900 SEK or 2,800 SEK depending on the value of the dispute.

19. How do I pay the fee?
    By card or bank transfer, as instructed by the court.

20. Will I get the fee back if I win?
    Often yes – the defendant may be ordered to reimburse your legal costs.

🔹 Before Going to Court

21. Do I have to send a demand letter first?
    Not legally – but it’s usually a good idea.

22. What is a demand letter (kravbrev)?
    A formal letter where you demand e.g. payment and warn about possible legal action.

23. Can I use the Enforcement Authority instead of going to court?
    Yes – simpler, uncontested claims can be handled via betalningsföreläggande (payment order).

24. When should I go to court instead?
    If the defendant disputes the claim – then a court decision is necessary.

25. How long does a court case take?
    Usually 6–12 months, depending on complexity.

26. Can I claim damages in the initial filing?
    Yes – if you have legal grounds for it.

27. Can I also claim interest?
    Yes – under the Interest Act (räntelagen) or by agreement.

28. Do I have to try mediation first?
    No – but the court often encourages settlement.

29. Can I withdraw my lawsuit?
    Yes – as long as the case hasn’t been decided.

30. What if I sue without valid grounds?
    You may be ordered to pay the other party’s legal expenses.

🔹 After Filing the Claim

31. What does the court do with my application?
    Reviews it and sends it to the defendant.

32. What is a summons order (föreläggande)?
    A request for the defendant to respond within a certain timeframe.

33. What if the defendant doesn’t respond?
    The court can issue a default judgment (tredskodom) in your favor.

34. What is a statement of defense (svaromål)?
    A document where the defendant replies and raises objections.

35. Can I read the defendant’s response?
    Yes – all documents are shared via the court.

36. What happens after the response?
    The court usually schedules a preparatory hearing.

37. What’s the purpose of that hearing?
    Clarify the dispute, review evidence, and explore settlement options.

38. Can this hearing happen digitally?
    Yes – by phone or video link.

39. Do I have to attend?
    Yes – unless you have a legal representative.

40. Can I bring a lawyer or legal representative?
    Yes – and it’s highly recommended.

🔹 The Main Hearing

41. What is the main hearing (huvudförhandling)?
    The final trial where the court hears the case orally.

42. How long does it take?
    From a few hours to several days, depending on the case.

43. What happens during the hearing?
    Both parties present their case, witnesses are examined, and evidence is reviewed.

44. Do I have to speak myself?
    No – your lawyer can speak for you.

45. Can I testify myself?
    Yes – as a party, you can testify under oath.

46. What is a party hearing (partsförhör)?
    When the other party or court questions you directly.

47. What is a witness hearing (vittnesförhör)?
    A witness gives sworn testimony about what they know.

48. Do I have to answer questions in court?
    Yes – parties and witnesses must answer truthfully.

49. Can I submit written evidence?
    Yes – such as contracts, invoices, or emails.

50. Can I record the trial?
    No – recordings are not allowed.

🔹 After the Main Hearing

51. When will I get a verdict?
    Usually within 1–4 weeks.

52. How is the judgment delivered?
    In writing, by mail or digitally from the court.

53. What does the judgment include?
    The ruling (domslut), reasoning (domskäl), and possible cost decisions.

54. What are the “reasons” (domskäl)?
    The court’s legal explanation for its decision.

55. What is the ruling (domslut)?
    The actual decision – e.g. “the defendant shall pay 25,000 SEK”.

56. What happens if I win?
    The court may order the defendant to pay your claim and legal costs.

57. What happens if I lose?
    You may be required to pay the other party’s costs.

58. What are legal costs?
    Lawyer fees, travel, evidence, etc.

59. Can I appeal the judgment?
    Yes – within three weeks.

60. How do I appeal?
    Submit an appeal to the District Court, which forwards it to the Court of Appeal.

🔹 Enforcement and Effects

61. How do I get paid after a judgment?
    If the defendant doesn’t pay voluntarily, you can request enforcement through the Swedish Enforcement Authority (Kronofogden).

62. What does the Enforcement Authority do?
    Collects the debt by garnishing wages or seizing property.

63. Do I need the judgment to contact the Enforcement Authority?
    Yes – the judgment serves as an enforceable title (exekutionstitel).

64. How long is a judgment valid?
    Normally for 10 years.

65. Does the judgment appear in any register?
    Yes – if enforcement is involved, it may show in Kronofogden’s records.

66. Does it affect the defendant’s credit rating?
    Yes – especially if it leads to a payment default.

67. Can we make a private agreement after judgment?
    Yes – even after the judgment, parties may settle or restructure the debt.

68. What is a default judgment (tredskodom)?
    A judgment issued when the defendant fails to respond – it can be reversed.

69. What is a request for recovery (återvinning)?
    A motion to have the case reopened after a default judgment.

70. Can I get legal aid even after the case?
    Yes – especially for appeals or enforcement issues.

🔹 Legal Strategy and Advice

71. Should I hire a representative?
    Yes – especially for disputes over 40,000 SEK or if the case is complex.

72. What if I can’t afford a lawyer?
    Check your home insurance for legal protection or apply for public legal aid (rättshjälp).

73. What is a dispositive case?
    A case where parties can freely settle (most civil cases).

74. What is a non-dispositive case?
    A case where the state has an overriding interest – e.g., custody disputes.

75. Can I hire a non-lawyer legal advisor?
    Yes – but make sure they are experienced in litigation.

76. How do I prove my claim?
    You must present evidence for the facts that support your case.

77. Can oral evidence be enough?
    Yes – but it’s stronger when supported by documents.

78. What if the other party uses false evidence?
    That is a crime – the court assesses credibility and evidence.

79. Can I question witnesses myself?
    Yes – especially if you represent yourself.

80. What is most important in court?
    Be clear, stay objective, and focus on your evidence.

🔹 Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

81. What is the most common mistake when suing?
    Not being clear enough about what you are asking for and why.

82. What if I sue the wrong person or entity?
    The case may be dismissed – always double-check names and ID numbers.

83. Can I update my claim after filing?
    Yes – if the court allows it or if requested.

84. What is an unclear legal basis?
    When your explanation doesn’t show what the other party did wrong.

85. What happens if I submit incorrect evidence?
    The court will assess its relevance – usually not a big issue unless intentional.

86. What is a fact to be proven (bevistema)?
    A specific circumstance you must prove – e.g., ”X did not pay”.

87. What’s the difference between legal and factual grounds?
    Legal grounds = the law; factual grounds = what happened.

88. How do I avoid unnecessary costs?
    Prepare well, be precise in writing, and consult a legal advisor.

89. Can I get compensation for my time?
    Not directly – but some expenses like travel or lost income may be reimbursed.

90. What is an interim decision (interimistiskt beslut)?
    A temporary ruling until the final verdict – rare in civil money claims.

🔹 After the Judgment – What Now?

91. How do I know if the defendant pays after judgment?
    You must monitor it yourself – if no payment is made, go to Kronofogden.

92. What is an enforceable title (exekutionstitel)?
    A judgment or equivalent document that allows for forced collection.

93. How long is the judgment enforceable?
    Generally 10 years from the decision date.

94. Can I request a change to the judgment?
    Yes – by appealing within the deadline.

95. What are procedural obstacles (rättegångshinder)?
    Reasons a case cannot be tried – e.g., it has already been decided.

96. Can I be liable for damages for suing someone?
    Yes – if your lawsuit is clearly unfounded or abusive.

97. Can I request confidentiality in the case?
    Only in exceptional cases – court hearings are usually public.

98. How do I find the right legal representative?
    Look for specialists in civil litigation with good references.

99. Is it common for individuals to sue others?
    Yes – especially in debt, rental, or small claims cases.

100. What is the most important thing to consider before suing?
     Be clear about your goal, prepare your evidence, and be open to settlement if it benefits you.

Need Help With a Civil Lawsuit in Sweden?

Segerström Law Firm has extensive experience in civil litigation in Swedish district courts. Whether your case concerns unpaid debts, contractual disputes, or damage claims – we assist you from legal consultation to courtroom representation.

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📞 Contact us today for a first meeting. We’ll review your situation and help you move forward. Help-line: +46 455 100 70