Bailiff
How much do you need to know when a bailiff intervenes?
By Raphaël MORENON14 March 2025Receiving a letter from a judicial commissioner (formerly a bailiff) for an unpaid bill, whether for rent or consumer credit, raises a legitimate question: does the amount of the debt justify such action? Contrary to popular belief, the law does not set any minimum threshold for its intervention. However, the practical reality is more nuanced. Understanding the role of the judicial officer, the existing procedures and your rights is essential if you are to navigate this complex process, where the expertise of a lawyer specialising in enforcement procedures can prove decisive in determining the best course of action. The role of the judicial commissioner: from amicable debt collection to forced execution The successor to the bailiff, the judicial commissioner is a public and ministerial officer whose missions are clearly defined by law. Their intervention progresses in stages, from negotiation to enforcement, in the context of the...
Does a bailiff have the right to seize a bank account without warning?
Guarantees, securities and enforcement law, BailiffsThe discovery of a seizure on your bank account is an unsettling experience, especially as it comes without prior warning and can plunge the debtor into serious difficulty. This measure, known as seizure-attribution (saisie-attribution), is a compulsory execution procedure whereby a creditor, through the intermediary of a judicial commissioner (formerly a bailiff),...How long can a bailiff claim a debt?
Guarantees, securities and enforcement law, BailiffsA judicial commissioner, the successor profession to the judicial officer, can be appointed to collect debts, whether through amicable or legal proceedings. For a full explanation of these changes, see our guide to the new role and powers of the judicial commissioner. However, a...Recourse against a bailiff
Guarantees, securities and enforcement law, BailiffsWhen faced with a judicial commissioner, people may feel powerless. A public officer, this auxiliary of justice, formerly a bailiff, fulfils a public service mission by being responsible for enforcing legal decisions and serving documents. However, like any professional, they may commit errors or omissions.
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