Invoice and contract
Provide the correct contracting party, current address, invoice, agreed payment deadline and outstanding balance. Include payments already received and credit notes.
Check the invoice and balanceDebt collection for businesses · Germany
Unpaid invoices.
A clear next step.
You have delivered, but payment is missing? Digitally hand over due, undisputed claims with documented payment default to incaseof.law.
Registered debt collection service provider in Germany · Registration no. 2024 0000 8388. Company and registration details.
Before instructing us
A complete file makes a claim easier to handle.
Performance and default
The contract, order or delivery record shows what the claim is based on. Evidence of receipt, reminders and delivery records helps establish payment default.
Is a reminder needed first?Objections and deadlines
Tell us about complaints, counterclaims and approaching limitation deadlines. Disputed claims fall outside the regular collection instruction. Under the terms, quotes from partner lawyers can be obtained.
Understand limitation in GermanyAcceptance and your cooperation duties are governed by sections I and VI of the terms. An overdue invoice alone does not settle every question about default.
The path of your claim
Start out of court. Decide further steps deliberately.
Hand over the claim digitally
Register or use the customer portal if you already have an account. Enter the case and provide the relevant documents. For recurring submissions, see our receivables management options.
Out-of-court handling
incaseof.law handles the case within the agreed scope. Tell us about direct payments or new objections so the outstanding balance and next steps stay up to date. The terms of the instruction apply.
Consider court proceedings
If payment remains outstanding, a German court order for payment procedure may be appropriate. A Mahnbescheid is a court document, not another private reminder. If the debtor objects and the disputed claim is pursued further, it must be addressed in civil proceedings. The courts explain the process (German).
Distinguish a title from enforcement
A Vollstreckungsbescheid, an enforcement order, can provide a basis for enforcement. It does not itself produce payment. Enforcement is a separate step; requirements, costs and prospects of recovery need consideration first. About enforcement orders (German).
Court action does not automatically follow every collection instruction. The scope and additional costs depend on the specific engagement. Compare the two routes.
Understanding the costs
Separate principal, ancillary costs and additional services.
The incaseof.law model
Under the agreed model, the recovered principal is paid out without a success commission. Interest and collection costs serve as incaseof.law’s remuneration under the terms. This does not guarantee that a claim can be recovered in full.
Cost model and conditionsWhat needs separate attention
Court fees, transmission costs and special services may be charged separately. Direct payments, unmet requirements or cancelling a case can also trigger duties and costs. Read the conditions before handing over a claim.
Terms and cooperation dutiesWhether the debtor must reimburse costs is a separate legal question. Payment default and statutory limits matter. The legal ceiling for collection costs (German) does not create a blanket entitlement to every amount requested.
For your business
One claim or recurring outstanding invoices?
Small and medium-sized businesses
A clear handover process supports the accounts team when the same unpaid invoices keep returning to their desks.
Debt collection for SMEsSelf-employed professionals
Even for an individual unpaid fee, documented performance, correct invoice details and a clear communication record matter.
Debt collection for the self-employedRecurring submissions
When several people or systems are involved, it pays to agree how data, responsibilities and status updates are handled.
Organise receivables managementIn brief
What does debt collection in Germany involve?
Debt collection supports the recovery of outstanding claims. Under its terms, incaseof.law accepts due, undisputed claims with documented payment default. A court order for payment, an enforcement order and actual enforcement are different steps. The appropriate route depends on factors including the records available, objections and the prospects of recovery.
Sources: terms and German payment order courts.
Questions about debt collection in Germany
Do I need to send three reminders first?
No. Three reminders are not a general requirement. The claim being due and the debtor being in default are what matter. Default may follow a reminder or arise without one in specified circumstances. Special rules apply to consumers. Check the statutory default rules (German) and the evidence for your case.
How does a reminder differ from a court order for payment?
A reminder is a payment request by the creditor or their representative. A Mahnbescheid is issued and served by a court. Our guide to German payment order proceedings explains the distinction.
What happens if the debtor objects?
If the debtor objects to the payment order, pursuing the disputed claim further requires contentious proceedings. A collection message does not automatically establish an obligation to pay. The work involved and legal representation need separate consideration. Official explanation of objections (German).
Who pays the collection costs?
Reimbursement by the debtor depends on legal requirements and limits. Your agreement with incaseof.law and possible additional costs are separate matters. The pricing page explains our model and the applicable conditions.
How long will it take to receive payment?
We cannot promise a reliable time in advance. The debtor’s response, availability and ability to pay, as well as possible court proceedings, affect the timeline. A title alone does not guarantee payment. About enforcement (German).
What if the debtor is in Austria?
An Austrian case should not simply follow the German process described here. Tell us where the debtor is based and clarify the specific engagement. Our general handover guide and terms help you prepare.
Have your documents ready?
Start registration and prepare to hand over your unpaid invoice. Already have an account? Use your existing account in the customer portal.
Engagement subject to our terms. Received a letter as a debtor? Go directly to the payment portal.
Sources and basis
- incaseof.law: terms effective from 9 June 2026 – acceptance, services, remuneration and cooperation.
- German federal legislation: payment default – due dates, reminders and exceptions.
- German federal legislation: recoverability of collection costs – limits on reimbursement.
- German payment order courts: procedural overview – payment orders, objections, enforcement orders and enforcement.
- Legal services register – search for incaseof.law GmbH, registration no. 2024 0000 8388.
Content as of 23 September 2026. German primary sources are in German. General information for businesses; the specific case and agreed terms remain decisive.