If you are an entrepreneur, the last thing you probably wish for is going to court. However, sometimes you have to – most often when someone does not pay your invoice. In such situations, a sense of helplessness prevails. The entire matter is "black and white" – a verdict just needs to be issued! Yet, you encounter total indifference. The case lasts several months, and you feel that no one understands how important this payment is for your company.

In April, the "Ultima Ratio" Electronic Notarial Arbitration Court will open. Here, everything is different.

Simply by entering into a contract with a contractor, either in writing or online, you enter email addresses for correspondence and add that any disputes will be resolved by Ultima Ratio. You do not even need a lawyer to phrase this correctly. Should the contractor fail to pay you, you can sue them in a very simple and swift manner – through our Court's electronic platform. You attach scanned documents and invoices to the lawsuit. The defendant receives the lawsuit via email to the address provided in the contract, and the case is automatically assigned to a randomly selected, trained notary from our list, conducted exclusively online, and concluded with a verdict no later than 21 days!

Does it sound so simple it's unbelievable? Remember, it is a completely legal procedure, albeit rarely used so far. According to Article 1212 of the Civil Procedure Code, the verdict of an arbitration court has the same legal power as a state court verdict.

In Ultima Ratio, you are not a supplicant. You are a client, and that's exactly how we treat you.

The system is simple and fully automated. You do not stress about not understanding something or facing yet another uphill struggle. Arbitration fees are similar to those in common courts, but you pay them via an electronic payment system – thus in a simplified and swift manner. Do you currently lack funds in your account? The system allows the arbitration fee to be paid in installments. If you win the case, you will repay the obligation from what you recover from the defendant.

Regarding the defendant, they have 7 days to respond to the lawsuit. To ensure fairness, they can also use simple tools to easily present evidence. In general, they are treated exactly as you are. We ensure the process is fair and that both parties respect each other. Therefore, the defendant, when submitting a response to the lawsuit, also pays an arbitration fee. It is of the same amount as the lawsuit fee. This way, the defendant defends themselves only if they truly believe in the strength of their arguments. The process is thus substantive; there is no contempt for the opponent or frivolous motions and tirades just to prolong the dispute. Additionally, many entrepreneurs have had bad experiences with arbitration courts where they were sued, and the entire remuneration of all three arbitrators was covered only by the fee paid by their opponent, the claimant.

Of course, the fee for the response to the lawsuit can also be paid in installments and all funds retrieved if the case is won.

In Ultima Ratio, you present evidence through the electronic system, and we believe it will be one of the most pleasant experiences you will have in business. Besides scans of contracts and invoices, you can very easily present videos, photos, surveillance records, screenshots, audio recordings, employee explanations, emails, videos – in other words, everything that illustrates your daily business reality. Imagine how much and how easily you can now prove!

If you want to present your position in the case, you can do so at any time, day or night, from anywhere in the world. You do not need to wait for any hearings or travel anywhere. Forget about travel costs to court, lost earnings, or the costs of witness advances. When necessary, witnesses can be questioned via teleconference.

Arbitrators in Ultima Ratio are trained notaries, often with experience in advocacy or judicial applications. Their names, biographies, and photos will be visible on the Ultima Ratio Arbitrators List. They are amiable legal practitioners – just like the notaries in the town where you live. You can trust them. Especially since their work is supervised by a large and well-known organization – the Association of Notaries of the Republic of Poland in Warsaw.

But why will they treat you differently than in a common court?

Well, arbitrators in Ultima Ratio are not appointed by the President of the Republic of Poland. They are not irremovable. They do not possess any immunity and do not represent the Polish State.

Arbitrators are lawyers whom you – together with your contractor – pay to resolve your dispute. You are, therefore, their clients. Although they ensure the case is conducted according to the Court's Regulations and both parties have equal opportunities, their remuneration depends, unlike state court judges, on how they treat you and your case. Therefore, after filing the lawsuit, they will welcome you on a dedicated chat, quickly provide information about the state of the case and planned actions, request additional documents and explanations. You will receive feedback and know where you stand. You will have control.

Do you still have any doubts after reading the above? Remember, we are waiting for your cases. So forget about the indifference, anger, or helplessness to which state courts have accustomed you.

See you in April 2019.