How long do I have to appeal a civil court judgment in Moldova, and can I add new evidence?

Hi, You have to appeal in 30 days from the date of pronouncement of the operative part of the decision. You can add new evidences if you demonstrate the impossibility of preseting it before the court of first instance, if such evidence was not requested by the first instance upon your motion during the proceedings, or if it was unjustifiably returned by the court of first instance

If you lost a civil case in the first instance and believe the judge ignored important evidence, you have the right to challenge the decision by filing an appeal (apel).

1. Deadline for filing the appeal

Under the Civil Procedure Code of Moldova:

- The general deadline is 30 days from the date the reasoned judgment is issued (hotărârea motivată).

⚠️ Missing this deadline may lead to rejection of the appeal, unless you can justify a valid reason for reinstatement (repunerea în termen).

2. Can you submit new evidence in appeal?

Yes, but only under certain conditions.

According to Moldovan procedural law, the appeal court is not meant to fully repeat the trial, so:

New evidence is admissible only if:

- You could not present it in the first instance for reasons beyond your control; or
- The first instance court wrongfully refused to admit or examine your evidence; or
- The need for the evidence arose after the judgment.