Debt Recovery and Enforcement

Recovering an unpaid debt requires a valid and due claim, a reliable debtor identity and an enforcement route proportionate to the amount and evidence available.

Back to Civil Law.

Demand and default

Before court action, it should be clear when payment became due and whether a reminder or other event placed the debtor in default. Interest and additional costs depend on the legal situation.

Payment-order proceedings or lawsuit

German payment-order proceedings can be efficient for certain uncontested monetary claims. If the debtor objects or the claim is disputed from the outset, ordinary litigation may be necessary.

Enforcement after judgment

A judgment or other enforceable title is only part of the process if the debtor still does not pay. Enforcement options depend on available information about assets and the debtor’s situation.

Preparing a civil-law review

A focused civil-law review is easier when the contract, order documents, invoices, payment evidence, notices, correspondence and a short chronology are available. Photographs, product listings or other evidence should be preserved where quality, authenticity or performance is disputed. For monetary claims, due dates and previous demands for payment are also relevant.

Debt recovery should take account of evidence, limitation, collectability and proportionality of costs.