How does the German court order for payment procedure work?

The debtor still isn't paying despite a reminder: how the court order for payment procedure (Mahnverfahren) works, which court has jurisdiction in Bavaria, and what happens after a Mahnbescheid.

The debtor doesn’t respond even to a second reminder — often the only route left is through the courts. The court order for payment procedure (gerichtliches Mahnverfahren) exists precisely for this: it is faster and cheaper than litigation, because initially no court has to decide on the merits of the case. Even so, there are a few pitfalls that can delay the process if you don’t know about them.

How I can help you

• Applying for the payment order (Mahnbescheid) at the competent Mahngericht
• Monitoring the deadline for objection and responding to any objection
• Applying for the enforcement order (Vollstreckungsbescheid) if no objection is raised
• Taking over contentious proceedings if the debtor raises an objection
• Assessing whether the court order procedure is even suitable for your claim

From the application to the payment order

For a monetary claim, a payment order (Mahnbescheid) for a specific sum of money can be issued on application (§ 688 ZPO). For applications from Bavaria, the Central Court Order Office at the Coburg Local Court (Zentrales Mahngericht beim Amtsgericht Coburg) has jurisdiction — regardless of where you or the debtor live. The court does not examine whether the claim is justified on the merits, only whether the application is formally in order. The payment order is served on the debtor, who then has an opportunity to raise an objection within a set deadline.

What happens after the payment order?

If the debtor does not raise an objection, an enforcement order (Vollstreckungsbescheid) can then be applied for. If the debtor does object, the proceedings are, on application, transferred into ordinary contentious court proceedings — where the claim is then argued on the merits. More on the further process and your rights can be found at Civil Law.

On costs: fees are charged under the RVG or by agreement. Where a claim is justified, the debtor generally ends up contributing to the costs as well; legal expenses insurance often covers the costs — I will submit the coverage request for you. I discuss the specific framework transparently at the initial consultation.

I file the application for you, keep an eye on the deadlines, and take over the further proceedings — regardless of whether the debtor objects or not.

This article provides general information and is no substitute for legal advice in an individual case. Last updated: 2026-06-16.

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