Article 203. Interviewing the parties in case preparation

If necessary, when preparing a case for court trial, the judge may interview the parties.

In so doing, the judge shall:

1) Interview the plaintiff on the merits of the claims asserted by him/her; clarify with him/her possible objections on the part of defendant; and, if necessary, invite the plaintiff to present additional evidence; as well as clarify the right to waive the asserted claims and legal implications thereof;

2) Interview the defendant about the circumstances of the case; clarify his/her objections to the claims of the plaintiff and evidence these objections can be confirmed by; as well as clarify the defendant's right to recognize the claims of the plaintiff or to make counterclaims; and invite the defendant to provide written explanations on the case in particularly complex cases. The defendant's failure to provide written explanations and evidence in case of his/her failure to appear in court shall not hinder the consideration of the case on the evidence available in the case;

3) determine the possibility of concluding a settlement agreement or mediation agreement between the parties and explain their legal consequences.