fogedret

Fogedret, or the Enforcement Court, is a division of the Danish judiciary responsible for enforcing judgments and other court orders, as well as handling enforcement of monetary claims. The court oversees procedures such as distraint, seizure of assets, evictions from leased premises, and the conduct of public auctions to satisfy creditors.

Organization and jurisdiction: Fogedret operates under the Danish Ministry of Justice within the court system. There are several fogedretter located in major cities, and cases are handled by professional bailiffs (fogedmænd) who act under the court’s authority. The court coordinates enforcement actions with other parts of the judiciary and with authorities as needed, applying rules that govern how debts and judgments are collected.

Procedures: A creditor obtains an enforcement order by applying to the fogedret. Once issued, the court may order attachment of assets, garnishment of wages, or seizure of bank accounts. It can also order eviction of tenants following a court judgment. When assets are seized, they are typically sold at public auction to satisfy the creditor’s claim. The fogedret also administers enforcement of payment orders and other civil obligations, and it may oversee related procedural steps such as notice and deadlines.

Debtor rights and process: Debtors are given notice and may challenge enforcement actions, request exemptions or payment plans, or seek temporary relief in accordance with the law. The fogedret ensures due process and may require cooperation from the debtor. Decisions by the fogedret can be appealed to higher courts under Danish judicial procedures.

Relation to the legal system: The fogedret operates alongside ordinary civil courts and the enforcement infrastructure of Denmark, focusing specifically on enforcing existing judgments and orders rather than adjudicating new disputes.