Vollstreckungsbescheinigung

Vollstreckung is the legal process by which a court or public authority enforces a decision, title, or order to satisfy a claim. It takes effect after a title becomes final and enforceable, and its purpose is to convert a judgment or similar document into actual payment or compliance. In German-speaking jurisdictions, enforcement is carried out by courts and specialized officials and is governed by statutes such as the Zwangsvollstreckungsgesetz (ZVG) and related laws.

A central prerequisite for enforcement is a Vollstreckungstitel, an enforceable title. Typical titles include a final court judgment, a notarial deed with an enforceability clause, a settlement that has been explicitly designated as enforceable, or an administrative act that is legally enforceable. Once a title exists, the creditor may initiate coercive measures to recover what is owed.

Common enforcement measures include Pfändung (seizure) of movable assets, garnishment of earnings or bank accounts, and the attachment of other receivables. For real estate or secured property, the procedure may involve Zwangsversteigerung (court-ordered forced sale) or Zwangsverwaltung (forced administration). Enforcement is usually carried out by a Gerichtsvollzieher (court bailiff) acting on behalf of the court.

Debtor protection in the process includes statutory exemptions and statutory limits on what may be seized, as well as remedies to challenge or suspend enforcement. In certain circumstances, such as debtor insolvency, enforcement may be paused or modified by insolvency proceedings, which introduce a stay on individual collection actions.