Apply for a court order for payment
Judicial collection proceedings for the quick and cost-effective enforcement of undisputed monetary claims without the need to file a lawsuit first.
How to proceed
- 1
File a petition with the central collection court
Online via the portal www.online-mahnantrag.de or by filling out a form.
- 2
A payment order is served
The debtor may file an objection within two weeks.
- 3
Apply for a writ of execution
In the event of nonpayment and in the absence of an objection, this constitutes an enforcement order.
Responsible authority
The authority of your main place of residence is responsible.Find authority →
Fees
Varies by case
Processing time
approx. 1 weeks
Official: max. approx. 2 weeks
Online application
Online possible – at the responsible authority
Common mistakes
- • Wrong debt collection court selected (jurisdiction varies by state)
- • The debtor’s objection period (2 weeks) was overlooked; no request was made to proceed to adversarial proceedings
Common reasons for rejection
- • Formal defects in the application (e.g., an inadmissible claim)
The essentials before applying
Who is eligible?
Creditors who wish to enforce a due and payable monetary claim against a debtor.
Income limit
The limit varies by household and region – see the table at the responsible authority or in the application assistant.
Processing time
Nationwide: approx. approx. 1 weeks
Success rate
approx. 80.0 % (estimate)
Most common mistakes
- •Wrong debt collection court selected (jurisdiction varies by state)
- •The debtor’s objection period (2 weeks) was overlooked; no request was made to proceed to adversarial proceedings
Common reasons for rejection
- •Formal defects in the application (e.g., an inadmissible claim)
Alternatives
- Check related services in the application assistant
- Use social counselling before applying
If rejected
Read the decision carefully: often submitting missing documents or reapplying helps more than an objection.