Collect money yourself: initiating the court dunning procedure

If someone does not pay your justified claim despite a reminder, you do not have to sue right away: the court dunning procedure is a simple, inexpensive way to obtain an enforceable title. If the debtor does not object, after the dunning notice you receive an enforcement order.

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Your chances of getting your money back

With the court dunning procedure you can apply for a dunning notice without a lawyer and at low cost. If the debtor does not object, the enforcement order follows, an enforceable title (30 years).

You file the application online through the central dunning court. If there is an objection, the matter moves into contentious proceedings; then you have to decide whether to sue.

What you should do now

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1. Prepare the claim
Make sure the claim is justified and quantified and that you have previously sent a reminder (with a deadline).
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2. Apply for the dunning notice
File the application online with the competent dunning court and state the debtor and claim precisely.
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3. Wait for a reaction
If the debtor does not object within two weeks, apply for the enforcement order.
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4. Enforce
With the enforcement order you can pursue enforcement (e.g. via the bailiff).

How to spot the scam

The claim is not clearly quantified or documented.
The debtor disputes the claim (then contentious proceedings).
The claim is already time-barred.

Frequently asked questions

When is the dunning procedure worthwhile?

When your claim is justified and undisputed and the debtor does not pay despite a reminder. The dunning procedure is simpler and cheaper than a lawsuit and leads, if no objection comes, quickly to an enforceable title.

How do I apply for a dunning notice?

Online through the central dunning court. You state the debtor and claim precisely and pay a fee that depends on the amount in dispute. You do not need a lawyer for this. The court serves the dunning notice on the debtor.

What happens if the debtor objects?

Then the matter moves into contentious proceedings and you have to decide whether to sue over the claim. If he does not object within two weeks, you can apply for the enforcement order and then enforce.

Take action now

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.