Vollstreckungsgesetz

Vollstreckungsgesetz, literally “Enforcement Act,” is a title used for laws in several German-speaking jurisdictions that regulate the enforcement of judicial decisions and other enforceable titles. These acts provide the framework for turning court judgments and official orders into enforceable obligations and for carrying out coercive measures if required. Typical provisions cover the appointment and powers of enforcement officers, the procedures for collecting amounts due or compelling performance, permissible coercive means, debtor protections, deadlines, and remedies.

The exact provisions differ by country and by federal state. In general, a Vollstreckungsgesetz sets out the steps to initiate enforcement after a judgment or enforceable title becomes final, the order of priority for different enforcement measures, the handling of assets, income garnishment, and the sale of seized property. It also establishes safeguards against abuse, such as exemptions for necessary living costs and the right to contest enforcement actions within specified time limits.

Historically, such legislation emerged with the codification of civil procedure in German-speaking Europe and has been amended in response to legal reforms and changing social policy. In practice, Vollstreckungsgesetze interact with civil procedure codes and, where applicable, with separate enforcement or expropriation regulations.

See also: Zivilprozessordnung, Exekutionsrecht, Gerichtsvollzieher.