Fogedretten

Fogedretten, in the Danish legal system, is the enforcement court responsible for implementing civil and commercial judgments and claims when voluntary payment is not achieved. It operates as part of the judiciary and handles proceedings that ensure debts and other obligations are enforced through legally authorized measures.

The court’s core powers include ordering and supervising enforcement actions such as attachment of assets (udlæg i løsøre), seizure of bank accounts, and wage garnishment (løninddrivelse). It can also place liens on real property (udlæg i fast ejendom) and arrange a sale of assets or real estate through a forced auction (tvangsauktion) to satisfy creditor claims. In tenancy disputes, Fogedretten can issue eviction orders and related enforcement measures. Enforcement proceedings, known as fogedforretninger, are carried out by a bailiff under the court’s mandate.

Initiation typically begins when a creditor applies to Fogedretten with documentation proving the claim. The court issues a decision and authorizes the enforcement, which is then carried out by the bailiff. Debtors are given notice and have opportunities to respond or seek appropriate remedies, such as proposing payment arrangements. After assets are sold or payments collected, proceeds are distributed to satisfy the claim, with any surplus returned to the debtor, subject to legal rules.

Fogedretten offices provide information and handle inquiries about ongoing cases. Decisions of Fogedretten can be appealed to higher courts according to the Danish judicial appeal framework. The system aims to balance effective debt enforcement with protections for debtors and proper legal procedure.