When conflict can no longer be avoided
Starting or receiving legal proceedings is not just a legal matter. It is also a personal, financial, and emotional challenge. At Prius Abogados, we support you from the very first step, whether you are the plaintiff or the defendant. What you do—or don’t do—in the early days can shape the entire process.
If you are filing a lawsuit: what you need to clarify before starting
Do you have sufficient evidence to support your position?
Does the person or entity you are suing have the ability to pay?
Are you willing to attempt a mandatory pre-litigation settlement (MASC)?
Are you aware of the timelines, risks, and costs of the process?
At Prius Abogados, we assess with you the feasibility, litigation strategy, and pre-litigation alternatives. We provide a fully detailed Engagement Letter. No surprises.
If you receive a lawsuit: how to respond
Most civil and commercial cases since April 2025 require receiving an invitation to negotiate or a specific settlement proposal (MASC). This is where the litigation strategy begins. If MASC is unsuccessful, you will receive a formal lawsuit: be sure to note the date of receipt. Deadlines are usually 10–20 business days.The lawsuit is a request (well-founded or not), not a judgment: what is requested may not match what the court ultimately grants. You need to analyze, with the evidence available, whether to contest, propose a settlement, or file a counterclaim.
At Prius Abogados, we review the substance and form, your defense strategy, and procedural opportunities with you.
MASC: the new mandatory filter before going to court
From April 2025, most civil and commercial procedures require attempting an Appropriate Dispute Resolution Method (MASC) before filing a lawsuit. This may include:
Direct negotiation
Confidential binding offer
Conciliation
Mediation
Besides allowing access to the judicial system, MASC also affects procedural costs, potentially modifying the allocation of fees.
Basic stages of legal proceedings
Filing the lawsuit: presenting facts, evidence, and claims
Admission decree: verification of procedural requirements
Response: counterarguments and submission of documents and expert reports
Preliminary hearing (if ordinary procedure): clarifying issues, establishing facts, and proposing evidence
Trial: presentation of admitted evidence and conclusions
Judgment: issued by the judge
Costs: generally, the losing party pays, but details may vary
Oral or ordinary proceedings?
Oral procedure: cases up to €15,000 and certain specific matters (evictions, unpaid rents, etc.)
Ordinary procedure: larger or more complex cases
The type of procedure affects deadlines, trial structure, and evidence presentation.
Common types of cases
Urban leases (LAU): Unpaid rent, early termination of the lease, eviction without a formal lease (precario)
Condominium / homeowners’ associations: Collection of fees, challenging resolutions, unauthorized works
Debt collection: Unpaid invoices, debts between individuals, breach of contract
Civil liability (contractual and non-contractual): Damages from breaches, negligence, construction defects and accidents
Other: Claims to property, enforcement of judicial or notarial titles
Criminal matters: In some cases, civil and criminal law intersect. We advise on how to act if you have been reported or are considering filing a report, or if you are involved in a preliminary criminal investigation.
What we can do for you as a plaintiff
Assess the legal strength of your position
Propose the best pre-litigation negotiation strategy (MASC)
Draft and file your lawsuit carefully, with a focus on evidence
Represent you throughout the process, including enforcement of the judgment
What we can do for you as a defendant
Analyze the lawsuit thoroughly and explain its real consequences
Identify procedural or substantive flaws to oppose
Offer extrajudicial alternatives if appropriate
Handle your complete defense
Our commitment to you
In litigation, we evaluate the scope of the conflict, anticipate reactions, and examine all options to determine the most beneficial course for your interests.
Prius Abogados combines procedural experience, strategic intelligence, and clarity in client relations. We support you in making informed decisions, without surprises.