Insights on Russian Law

Insights is the article library of attorney Elena Petrova. Each note explains one question of Russian law or court practice for readers who live outside Russia: what the rule is, how courts apply it and what a foreign party should do in practice. Articles are grouped by subject, so you can find the topic closest to your situation in a few clicks.

The notes are general information, not legal advice on a specific case. They are meant to help you understand the process, prepare documents and ask sharper questions when you contact an attorney.

Contracts and Commercial Relations

This category covers agreements with Russian companies and individuals: supply, services, construction, loans and agency. Articles explain how a contract is formed under the Civil Code, when a clause is void, and how penalties and interest for late payment are calculated.

A separate group of notes deals with choosing the governing law and the forum. Foreign parties often sign contracts naming Russian courts without knowing what that means for enforcement.

Disputes and Court Procedure

Here you will find explanations of how Russian litigation moves from claim to judgment. Topics include court fees, interim measures to freeze assets, court-appointed expert examinations and how to read the structure of a Russian decision.

These notes are useful even if an attorney runs your case. Knowing the stages helps you follow reports and make decisions on time. Appeal deadlines in Russia are short, and a client who understands the calendar is less likely to miss one.

Business and Corporate Matters

Articles in this group look at Russian companies from the owner's side: the role of the general director, shareholder disputes, liability of managers and checks of a counterparty in the state register of legal entities.

Employment questions of foreign executives working in Russian subsidiaries are also covered, including dismissal and disputes over bonuses.

Family and Inheritance

Cross-border families face two legal systems at once. Notes in this category explain divorce with a foreign spouse, child support, and relocation of a child to another country.

Inheritance articles cover estates in Russia where heirs live abroad: the six-month period to accept, the role of the Russian notary, and which law applies to movable and immovable property.

Featured Articles

New readers usually start with the court decision guide. It explains the document most foreign clients receive first.

How the Archive Is Organised

All published notes stay in the archive, sorted by date and category. When the law changes, the article is updated, and the page shows that the text has been revised.

Older articles may describe rules that have since changed. Check the revision note, and ask before acting on an older text.

Suggesting a Topic

Readers often send questions that later become articles. If a subject of Russian law is not covered yet, you can propose it by email. Personal details from such messages are never published.

The main channel of communication with the attorney is email: attorneypetrova1@gmail.com.