Bailiff
How much do you need to know when a bailiff intervenes?
By Raphaël MORENON14 March 2025Have you received a letter from a bailiff about an unpaid bill? Are you wondering whether the amount justifies this action? It's a legitimate question. Contrary to popular belief, there is no legal minimum threshold for the intervention of a bailiff. However, there are differences between theory and practice. The different types of intervention by bailiffs There are several ways in which bailiffs can act, depending on the nature of the case. In the amicable debt collection phase, the bailiff sends a letter of formal notice and attempts to negotiate payment without judicial constraint. This approach does not require a writ of execution and often involves small sums. If this phase fails, the next step is the judicial debt collection procedure. The bailiff must have a writ of execution: a court decision, an order to pay or a notarial deed. This document authorises him to take binding measures such as issuing a summons to pay....
Does a bailiff have the right to seize a bank account without warning?
Guarantees, securities and enforcement law, BailiffsA bailiff can seize a bank account without prior warning. This professional must follow certain rules when carrying out a seizure. This procedure enables the creditor to recover the sum due directly from the account of the debtor who has been seized. The...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, BailiffsWhat recourse do I have if I have a problem with a judicial officer? Judicial officers, now known as commissaires de justice since the 2019 reform, are responsible for ensuring that the public service of justice runs smoothly and for implementing court rulings. Like all...
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