Got an enforcement order? Calculate the two-week objection deadline
The court has issued an enforcement order because there was no objection to the payment order. With it, the creditor can have your property seized.
How to recognise the letter
- It comes from the local court (central payment order court) in a yellow envelope.
- Before it, there was usually a payment order (Mahnbescheid) with no objection.
- Heading »Vollstreckungsbescheid«, with reference number and claim.
Which deadline applies?
Objection (Einspruch): two weeks after service (§ 700 Abs. 1, § 339 Abs. 1 ZPO). If the end falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, the deadline ends on the next working day (§ 222 Abs. 2 ZPO). The calculator on this page works out the exact day – step by step.
Strict deadline: it cannot be extended. Without an objection, the creditor can seize on the basis of the enforcement order.
What happens if you do nothing?
After two weeks it is final like a judgment and hard to challenge. The creditor can as a rule seize your account, wages or send a bailiff even before.
Your options
- Check whether you know the claim and whether it is right
- Object at the court – within two weeks of service
- If the claim is right: talk to the creditor about instalments
- Get advice immediately: lawyer, debt advice service
Who can help?
Lawyer, legal applications office of the local court, debt advice – immediately
Frequently asked questions
Can the deadline be extended?
No. It is a strict deadline (Notfrist, § 339 Abs. 1 ZPO). If you missed it through no fault of your own, see a lawyer at once.
How much time do I have?
Two weeks after service (§ 700 Abs. 1, § 339 Abs. 1 ZPO). If the end falls on a Saturday, Sunday or public holiday, the deadline ends on the next working day (§ 222 Abs. 2 ZPO). The calculator above shows the exact day with every step.
Who can help me?
Lawyer, legal applications office of the local court, debt advice – immediately.
General information, not legal advice. Whether this decision is correct and what is right in your case is for an advice centre or a lawyer to say. Laws link to the official German text at gesetze-im-internet.de.