Synopsis
Debt collection has been known for as long as there has been debt. It is more ancient than money itself, and it has it has been in existence since ancient civilizations, which were based on bartering systems. Starting in 3000 B.C. in these civilizations, if there came a situation wherein a debt that was owed could not be paid back, the debtor and the debtor’s spouse, children or servants were forced into what was known as “debt slavery”until the creditor recouped the losses using physical labour. Under Babylonian law, strict guidelines were in force, that governed the repayment of debts, including several basic protections for debtors. Debt was carried over to several generations, and debt slavery resulted in subsequent generations in some societies. However, there were provisions for periodic debt forgiveness in certain cultures, such as jubilees and time limits were set for debts.
Debt Collection In Netherlands
The process of pursuing and trailing payments of debts owed by individuals or businesses is called debt collection.Debt Recovery Netherlands can be defined as the legal activity of pursuing payments of debts owed by individuals or businesses. In the Netherlands, collection agencies, bailiffs and debt collection attorneys charge a fee or percentage of the total sum owed. The collection agency is an organization that specializes in debt collection.
Debt Collecting Agencies
In the modern-day Netherlands, debt collection agencies collect debts on behalf of a creditor. In doing so, debt collection agencies are not permitted to use any coercive or forceful measures and stressing means, including the seizure and sale of goods. Debt collection agencies are only allowed to send out letters with a payment request.
Bailiffs
Upon the debtor’s lack of response to a debt collecting agency, one may hire a bailiff. A court bailiff has the legal status and permission to use coercive measures, for which a court order would usually be required. The bailiff will initially try to make the debtor pay you or agree on a payment plan.
Court Order
One may also need to start a legal procedure if the debtor does not pay or respond to the bailiff, who will then summon the debtor to court. Subsequently, they will ensure that he receives the judge’s ruling.
Seizure
Upon the debtor’s lack of response to the judge’s ruling, a bailiff may try to seize his income or goods. The seizure will be undertaken only when nothing else works.
Collection Costs
These are the costs one incurs as a creditor when he sets out to collect a money claim. If the debtor fails to pay this claim on his own accord, a fee is charged, which is a percentage of the bill, and if your debtor is a company, you can deviate from this procedure in an agreement, and statutory regulations will apply. And there are no agreement regulations.
Demands For Payment
Only if your customer is a consumer must send them a demand for payment, and if the customer is a company, one is not obliged to do so.
Conclusion
Debt collection in the Netherlands can be defined as the legal activity of pursuing payments of debts owed by individuals or businesses. The collection agency is an organization that specializes in debt collection. Most of the bailiffs in the Netherlands are officers of the court and hold the monopoly on the service and execution of court decisions and instruments. Attorneys-at-law are also involved in debt recovery.