If the objection deadline is missed — an Einspruch against the enforcement order within 2 weeks. When a valid debt is better settled (instalments, a deal), where free help is and when a lawyer is needed.
✓ Verified: 20/07/2026
WHAT TO DO
AUTHORITY
Amtsgericht / Mahngericht
Federal agency
Payment orders and enforcement orders run through your state's central Mahngericht. Apply online at online-mahnantrag.de.
Even with a missed objection deadline the door is not shut: against the enforcement order there is still an Einspruch — again 2 weeks. Then a sober assessment pays. If the debt is real, fighting to the end is usually dearer: court and enforcement costs fall on the debtor. Instalments or a settlement are then wiser, and free debt counselling helps build a plan. A lawyer is needed where the sum is high or the claim is disputed.
Once the matter is closed, the SCHUFA entry remains — and it outlives the debt: a settled claim stays on file for another three years. Check that your payment was actually recorded: bonify↗ shows the score for free, and the full data copy under Art. 15 GDPR is free once a year from SCHUFA itself↗. An unrecorded payment costs you flats and credit for years — and is only corrected on your application.
An acquaintance missed the objection but made the Einspruch against the enforcement order — again 2 weeks, same principle: form, deadline, proof of sending. Miss that too and the bailiff comes.
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Lea recommends:
If the debt is real, fighting to the end is usually the dearest option: court and enforcement costs hit the debtor. Instalments or a settlement are almost always cheaper, and debt counselling reviews the budget for free.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is a Vollstreckungsbescheid?▾
If no objection is filed against the Mahnbescheid, the creditor gets an enforcement order — a title allowing enforcement: account seizure, a bailiff. Against it an Einspruch is still possible within 2 weeks.
The debt is real but I cannot pay — what now?▾
Contact the creditor about instalments (Ratenzahlung) or a settlement (Vergleich) — cheaper than enforcement with its costs. Free help comes from debt counselling (Schuldnerberatung), and a P-Konto protects the basic amount on account seizure.
When do I certainly need a lawyer?▾
When the sum is high, the claim is legally disputed, enforcement is under way or deadlines are missed. A lawyer assesses the prospects and keeps deadlines; on low income legal-aid schemes (Beratungshilfe, Prozesskostenhilfe) are possible.