Debt register glossary

An official extract from the issuing office’s register. It generally shows proceedings initiated in that district during the preceding five years, subject to statutory disclosure exceptions. It may contain other information, including certain certificates of loss.

The area whose debt-enforcement register is kept by a particular office. An extract from one district does not cover all of Switzerland; another extract may be needed after a move.

The authority responsible for conducting debt-enforcement proceedings and issuing extracts from its register. Jurisdiction depends on the full address.

A document recording an amount left unpaid after attachment. Unextinguished certificates arising from attachment in the past 20 years may be reported in the extract under official rules.

Official procedure for enforcing a monetary claim or a security obligation. A payment order does not mean the office has assessed whether the claim is valid.

An application by a creditor to the responsible office to start proceedings. It identifies, among other things, the parties, amount and basis of the claim.

An official demand to pay the claimed amount within 20 days of service. A person who disputes it can object within 10 days of service.

A statement to the office disputing all or part of the claim. It generally must be made within 10 days of service of the payment order and prevents continuation of the disputed part until the objection is set aside.

The creditor’s request to continue proceedings after the statutory waiting period. No effective objection may still stand in the way.

An enforcement step involving attachable assets or income, within statutory limits, to satisfy a claim. Not every proceeding continues by attachment.

Collective enforcement procedure for debtors subject to bankruptcy proceedings. Bankruptcy is not opened automatically when continuation is requested.

In certain cases specified by law, an office must no longer disclose a proceeding to third parties, for example after withdrawal, a court decision setting it aside or an approved request. Payment alone does not automatically erase it.

Someone requesting information about another person or company must credibly demonstrate a legitimate interest. General curiosity is not enough.