Frequently Asked Questions

Morrison Legal is a boutique law firm in Prague offering expert legal advice across four core practice areas: family law and divorce, civil law, commercial law, and criminal law.

In family law, we assist individuals and families navigating some of the most difficult moments of their lives — divorce, separation, child custody disputes, maintenance claims, prenuptial agreements and international family law matters. We take a calm, client-focused approach and always explore resolution through negotiation and mediation before litigation.

In civil law, we advise on contracts, property rights, liability for damage, inheritance and succession matters. We draft and review all types of civil agreements to ensure they protect your interests and are legally enforceable under Czech law.

In commercial law, we support businesses at every stage — from company formation and corporate governance through to restructuring, mergers and dispute resolution.

In criminal law, we represent individuals and companies at all stages of the criminal process — from initial investigation and police questioning through to trial, appeal and extraordinary remedies. All of our services are available in both English and Czech.

Morrison Legal is based in Prague 1, at Revoluční 763/15, 110 00 Praha 1 — in the historic centre of the city, easily accessible from across Prague and the wider Czech Republic.

While our office is in Prague, we advise clients across the entire Czech Republic and regularly handle matters with an international dimension. This includes cross-border family law disputes, enforcement of foreign court judgments in the Czech Republic, representation of foreign nationals in Czech criminal proceedings, and commercial law advice for international businesses with Czech connections.

We are particularly well placed to assist expatriates, foreign nationals and international families living in Prague or elsewhere in the Czech Republic. Our team advises in English and Czech, so language is never a barrier to obtaining clear, expert legal advice.

Yes — Morrison Legal offers a free initial consultation so that you can discuss your situation confidentially before making any commitment.

We understand that seeking legal advice can feel daunting, particularly if you are dealing with a sensitive family matter, a criminal allegation or a complex business dispute. The initial consultation gives you the opportunity to explain your situation in your own words, ask questions, and get a clear sense of your legal position and the options available to you — without any pressure or obligation.

During the consultation we will listen carefully to the facts, give you an honest assessment of your situation, explain how Czech law applies to your case, and outline how we can help. We will also be transparent about likely timelines, process and costs from the outset.

To arrange a free consultation, contact us by phone on +420 603 513 772, by email at info@morrison-legal.com, or use the contact form on our website. We aim to respond to all enquiries within one business day.

Yes. Advising English-speaking and international clients is a core part of what we do at Morrison Legal. JUDr. Lucia Morrison LL.M. advises clients fluently in both English and Czech, and we have extensive experience working with expatriates, foreign nationals, international businesses and clients with cross-border legal matters.

Many of our clients are English speakers living and working in the Czech Republic — whether as employees of international companies, entrepreneurs, or individuals who have made Prague their home. Others are based abroad but have a legal connection to the Czech Republic through family, property or business.

We understand the specific challenges that international clients face: navigating an unfamiliar legal system, dealing with Czech language documents and court proceedings, understanding how Czech law differs from their home country, and managing matters that involve multiple jurisdictions simultaneously.

We provide clear explanations in plain English throughout, translate key documents where needed, and keep you fully informed at every stage. If you are an international client with a legal matter in the Czech Republic, Morrison Legal is well-equipped to help you.

Divorce in the Czech Republic is governed by the Czech Civil Code. To obtain a divorce, the marriage must have broken down irretrievably — meaning the marital relationship has become so deeply and permanently disrupted that it cannot be restored.

There are two main types. First, a consensual divorce (nesporný rozvod), where both spouses agree to the divorce and have already reached written agreement on the arrangements for any children and the division of joint assets. This is generally the faster and less expensive route and can often be completed within a few months.

Second, a contested divorce (sporný rozvod), where one or both spouses dispute the divorce itself or cannot agree on related matters such as child custody, maintenance or property division. These proceedings can take considerably longer and may involve multiple court hearings.

The court will not grant a divorce where it would be contrary to the interests of a minor child unless special circumstances apply. Once divorced, there are additional steps relating to the division of matrimonial property which must be addressed within three years of the divorce becoming final.

At Morrison Legal, we guide clients through every stage — from the initial assessment of whether a consensual process is achievable, through negotiation of financial and parenting arrangements, to representation in court where necessary.

Child custody decisions in the Czech Republic are governed by the principle of the best interests of the child, which is the paramount consideration in all proceedings concerning minors.

Czech law provides for several types of custody arrangement. Joint custody (střídavá péče), where the child spends roughly equal time with each parent, has become increasingly common and is favoured by Czech courts where both parents are capable of caring for the child and can cooperate sufficiently. Sole custody with defined contact rights for the other parent remains common where joint custody is not appropriate.

The court takes into account a wide range of factors including: the child's age and maturity, the child's expressed wishes (with greater weight given to older children), each parent's housing situation and daily availability, the quality of each parent's relationship with the child, and any evidence of domestic violence or other welfare concerns.

A court-appointed expert in child psychology may be instructed to prepare a report assessing the child's needs and attachments. The social welfare authority (OSPOD) is also involved in most custody proceedings and will submit its own assessment.

Morrison Legal has extensive experience in child custody matters, including complex contested proceedings. We help parents understand the legal framework, prepare their case effectively, and — wherever possible — reach agreed parenting arrangements that serve the child's long-term wellbeing.

Yes, but the process depends on the country where the judgment was issued and the type of order involved.

For judgments issued within the European Union, EU Regulation Brussels IIa (and its successor Brussels IIb, applicable from August 2022) governs the recognition and enforcement of divorce decrees and parental responsibility orders. EU judgments are generally recognised automatically in the Czech Republic without any special procedure being required, though a certificate confirming enforceability may be needed in practice.

For judgments from non-EU countries, Czech private international law applies. Recognition requires an application to the relevant Czech court. The court will assess factors including whether the foreign court had jurisdiction, whether Czech public policy would be violated, and whether the parties had proper notice and opportunity to be heard.

Morrison Legal has experience handling the recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in Czech courts. If you have a foreign divorce decree, custody order or maintenance order that you need to enforce or rely upon in the Czech Republic, we can advise you on the applicable process.

A prenuptial agreement (předmanželská smlouva) is a legal contract entered into by two people before they marry, setting out how their assets and financial affairs will be managed during the marriage and divided in the event of divorce or death.

Under Czech law, the default regime for married couples is community of property (společné jmění manželů), under which most assets acquired during the marriage become jointly owned. A prenuptial agreement allows couples to modify or exclude this default regime entirely.

To be valid under Czech law, a prenuptial agreement must be concluded before a notary (notářský zápis) — a private written agreement between the parties is not sufficient. The notary will advise both parties on the legal implications and ensure the agreement is fair and properly executed.

Post-nuptial agreements modifying the regime during the marriage are also possible under Czech law and follow the same notarial process.

Morrison Legal advises clients on the preparation and negotiation of prenuptial and post-nuptial agreements. We work closely with notaries to ensure the agreement reflects your intentions, is legally sound, and will hold up in the event of any future dispute.

We draft and review all types of civil law contracts including purchase agreements, lease agreements, loan agreements, service contracts, gift deeds, easements, settlement agreements and more. We ensure your contracts are legally sound, clear, enforceable and genuinely protective of your interests.

Good contract drafting is one of the most effective ways to prevent disputes arising. We take particular care to ensure that obligations are clearly defined, risk is properly allocated, and that the contract will hold up if ever challenged in court.

Where disputes over contracts do arise, we also advise on your rights and options under the existing agreement, and represent you in negotiations or court proceedings aimed at enforcing or challenging contractual obligations.

For international clients, we advise on contracts involving Czech law as well as on questions of which law governs an agreement where multiple jurisdictions are involved.

Yes. Morrison Legal provides comprehensive legal support for businesses at every stage of their life cycle, from initial formation through to ongoing operations, growth transactions and eventual restructuring or winding up.

For new businesses, we advise on the choice of legal entity (the most common forms being the limited liability company — s.r.o. — and the joint-stock company — a.s.), draft articles of association and shareholder agreements, and handle all aspects of registration with the Czech Commercial Register.

For established businesses, we provide ongoing legal counsel on day-to-day commercial matters, review and negotiate commercial contracts, and advise on corporate governance issues including the duties and liabilities of directors and shareholders. We also advise on changes in company ownership, capital increases and decreases, company transformations, mergers and acquisitions, and liquidation.

International businesses establishing a Czech presence will find Morrison Legal particularly well-equipped to assist, combining knowledge of Czech commercial law with experience advising clients in both English and Czech.

The most important thing you can do if you are under criminal investigation in the Czech Republic is to contact a lawyer immediately — before you speak to the police, sign any documents or make any formal statement.

Under Czech criminal procedure law, you have the right to legal representation from the very beginning of criminal proceedings, including during police questioning. You have the right to remain silent, and anything you say to the police can be used against you. A lawyer can be present with you during questioning and can advise you on how to respond to specific questions.

Early legal advice is critical. The initial stages of an investigation are often when the most important decisions are made — about what evidence is gathered, what statements are taken, and what charges (if any) are brought. Having an experienced criminal defence lawyer advising you from the outset significantly strengthens your position.

At Morrison Legal, we begin with a thorough legal analysis of your situation. We then advise you on your rights and options, communicate with the police and prosecutor on your behalf, attend questioning with you, and represent you at every subsequent stage of the process — through investigation, indictment, trial and, if necessary, appeal.

We represent both Czech and foreign nationals, and advise in English. If you or someone you know is facing a criminal investigation in the Czech Republic, contact us as soon as possible.

Czech criminal proceedings are governed by the Code of Criminal Procedure and pass through several distinct stages.

The process typically begins with a pre-investigation phase, during which the police assess whether there are sufficient grounds to open a formal investigation. Once an investigation is opened, the suspect becomes formally accused and has full rights to legal representation, access to the case file and the right to remain silent.

The investigation stage involves the police and public prosecutor gathering evidence — interviewing witnesses, obtaining expert reports, and conducting searches and seizures where legally authorised. At the end of the investigation, the prosecutor decides whether to charge the accused, discontinue the case, or refer it for a different outcome.

If charges are brought, an indictment is filed with the relevant criminal court. The trial stage involves the presentation of evidence and arguments to the court, examination of witnesses, and oral submissions. The accused has the right to be present, to examine witnesses, and to address the court.

Following conviction, an appeal can be filed with a higher court. In cases where procedural errors or new facts emerge, extraordinary remedies including a complaint for violation of law and a constitutional complaint may also be available.

Morrison Legal advises and represents clients at every stage of this process, from the earliest police contact through to appeals and constitutional remedies.