Bailiff's writ
An official document served by a bailiff, such as a summons or enforcement notice.
Definition
A bailiff's writ is an official deed drawn up and served by a court bailiff (gerechtsdeurwaarder). It is used for legally significant communications such as a summons, the service of a judgment, or a warning that enforcement (for example attachment) will follow. Service by writ establishes certainty about the date and content of delivery, and Dutch civil procedure requires it for many procedural and enforcement steps.
Example
After an unpaid judgment, the creditor instructs a bailiff to serve a writ announcing attachment of the debtor's bank account.
Why this is a business risk
Receiving a bailiff's writ is a serious escalation: a summons means legal proceedings have formally started and the deadline for a response is fixed from the service date. Businesses that do not respond in time risk a default judgment being entered against them without hearing their defence. For creditors, failing to use the correct procedural form where required by law can invalidate enforcement steps and require the process to start again from the beginning.
How to manage it
- Upon receiving any bailiff's writ, immediately note the response deadline and consult legal counsel; time limits in civil procedure are strict and cannot be extended by agreement.
- Keep a secure record of the date and content of every writ received or served, as these form part of the evidence chain in any enforcement or litigation.
- When instructing a bailiff to serve a writ, provide accurate and complete address information; service at an incorrect address may be invalid.
- Use a bailiff's notice of default (aanmaning by exploot) when the contractual notices clause or importance of the case warrants the strongest evidential standard.
Legal references
Unless marked otherwise, references are to Dutch law (Burgerlijk Wetboek, the Dutch Civil Code); EU instruments such as the GDPR apply across the EU. This is general information, not legal advice. Other jurisdictions treat these concepts differently. Verify the current text and your situation with a qualified lawyer.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this term.