Challenging public authority decisions in Lviv
Saying a decision is unfair is not enough to challenge it. In Lviv, we start with your application and the reasons for refusal to identify the documents and arguments needed for a challenge.
When to seek help
- You received a written refusal without a clear explanation.
- An authority has not considered your application or provided requested public information.
- The decision disregards documents you submitted.
How we can help
- Grounds review
- We compare the request, documents submitted, reasons for the decision and the authority’s duty to act under the relevant law.
- Choosing a remedy
- We distinguish cancellation of a decision from a request to consider an application or take a required action.
- Complaint and claim
- We prepare a submission supported by evidence of applications, replies and the infringement of your right.
How we get started
Timeline
Provide the decision and earlier submissions in date order.
Assessment
We check jurisdiction, the defendant, any special review procedure and the challenge deadline; submitting a new application does not itself replace a proper challenge.
Documents
We agree the requested remedies, supporting attachments and filing.
What to prepare
- The complete decision or refusal.
- Your application, attachments and proof of registration.
- Replies, correspondence, proof of service of the decision and documents supporting the right affected.
The initial consultation is free. Court representation is agreed separately after checking whether an advocate or another duly authorised representative is required.
When a reply omits the requested document
The narrow example concerns a holder replying with general information instead of a copy of an existing document. The complaint concerns access, not the decision’s legality.
Establish the scope first
An existing document
The original request must identify an existing document held by the authority.
Not a demand for new analysis
A public information request does not replace a procedure for awarding a benefit, reviewing a refusal or providing a legal assessment.
Access restrictions require their own assessment
The material does not promise unrestricted disclosure. Seek the disclosable part and specific reasons for any lawful restriction.
Complaint about an incomplete information reply
Ukrainian worked and blank versions for one omitted document, rather than a universal complaint against any authority.
View the example and templateFacts, evidence and remaining questions
If the table does not fit on the screen, scroll it horizontally.
| Question | What to retain | What this does not establish |
|---|---|---|
| What was requested | Original request, document description and submission evidence | Distinguish an existing copy from a request for new explanation |
| What was supplied | Complete reply and all attachments | A summary without attachments may misrepresent the response |
| What was omitted | Comparison of the request item and the relevant reply | Disagreement with the document is not the same as an access violation |
Keep complete documents and evidence of receipt. A request for copies must not be treated as automatically extending a challenge deadline.
Choose the relevant next resource
Choose by the document and the outcome sought, rather than the authority’s name alone.
No request has been submitted
Identify the existing information and its holder.
Prepare a public information requestThe decision is available but its legality is disputed
Move from access questions to the remedy and challenge procedure.
Assess a court challengeThe requested outcome is unclear
Distinguish a copy, explanation, new decision and performance of a duty.
Administrative dispute navigator
Need help applying this to your situation?
We can compare the request and reply and separate an access issue from a dispute over the decision itself.
Frequently asked questions
How can I challenge something without a written decision?
We start with the application, evidence that the authority received it and its duty to respond or act. The issue may be a failure to act.
Will the court necessarily order the document to be issued?
No. The appropriate remedy depends on law, facts and the limits of the authority’s powers. Sometimes the dispute concerns reconsideration of an application.
Does a public information request replace a challenge?
No. A request obtains existing recorded information. Seeking cancellation of an act, a decision or a required action calls for the appropriate procedure; waiting for information does not guarantee preservation of the challenge deadline.
What affects the cost and preparation time?
Cost and preparation time depend on the decisions or instances of inaction, the application history and completeness of the records underlying a refusal. Formulating remedies and requesting missing evidence involve different scopes; waiting for a response does not replace checking the challenge deadline.
Resources for your situation
Guidance and instructions
Calculations and checks
Sources and review
Checked