In the Netherlands, a writ is mandatory for official legal actions. Think of issuing a summons, serving a judgment (the order to pay) or when levying an attachment. Without this official document from the bailiff, these actions are not legally valid.
What is a bailiff's writ?
Do you need to subpoena someone or have a court order officially handed down? Then you have to deal with a bailiff's writ. We explain to you in clear language what exactly this is, when you need it and how we guide you through each step.
A bailiff's writ is an official document personally issued (served) by a judicial officer. Think of it as the most powerful form of a registered letter.
This writ states a formal communication or officially hands over a legal document. Because a bailiff is a public official, this writ provides irrefutable proof that the recipient has received the information.
With a writ, you legally record three crucial things:
- The content: What exactly was communicated?
- The recipient: To whom was the document personally delivered?
- The time: On what date and at what time was the ceremony held?
Tip from Credifin: In legal proceedings, proving that something has been handed over is often not enough; what matters is proving when it was handed over. A bailiff's writ rules out any subsequent discussion and forms a rock-solid basis for your legal case.
Why use a bailiff's writ?
The importance of a bailiff's writ goes far beyond simply delivering mail. It is a strategic means of protecting your legal position. When you deploy this official document, the opposing party can no longer ignore the facts.
You use a writ in the following situations:
- Issue an official subpoena: Do you want to start legal proceedings? If so, a bailiff's writ is mandatory. The other party can never deny that the subpoena has been received. This avoids delays and ensures that the judge can take up the case immediately.
- Stopping (securing) the statute of limitations: Is your claim threatening to become time-barred because an invoice has been outstanding for almost five years? With a bailiff's writ you officially "interrupt" the statute of limitations. With this, you set the clock back to zero and your rights to payment are fully preserved.
- To officially serve a judgment: Did you win the lawsuit? Congratulations, but a judgment is not truly powerful until it has been officially handed over (served) to the opposing party. With this, the bailiff formally commits the client to payment and paves the way for further action, such as garnishment.
- Terminate contracts legally conclusive; Want to terminate an important contract without later discussion? A writ irrefutably records that and when the contract was terminated. This is your insurance against claims of wrongful terminations.
How do we work with bail bonds?
As a collection specialist, we receive daily questions about bailiff orders and the right way to use them. Thanks to our close cooperation with experienced (court) bailiffs, we guide you both in the amicable phase and during legal proceedings.
In doing so, you can count on:
- Personal advice
We analyze your situation and explain in understandable language what steps are necessary and whether a bailiff's writ is appropriate. - Full support
From content preparation to actual service, we make sure everything is done according to current regulations. - Years of experience
We support companies and individuals in legal processes on a daily basis. Our knowledge and network ensure that your case is handled smoothly and carefully.
Our extensive knowledge and collaborations ensure that your legal processes are as efficient and clear as possible. Want to know what is wise in your case? Then feel free to contact us for an initial consultation.
The legal framework of a writ
The issuance of a bailiff's writ is bound by strict legal rules. Because the consequences of a writ are great, it is carried out exclusively by a public official: the bailiff.
When we issue a writ for you, we pay close attention to the following legal aspects:
- Service in person: The strongest form of delivery is "service in person. The bailiff hands the document directly to the debtor. Is the person not at home? Then the writ is left in a sealed envelope at the official residential address, as registered in the Basic Registration of Persons (BRP).
- Statutory fees (Btag): The fees for a bailiff's writ are not arbitrary. They are laid down in the Bailiffs' Fees Decree ( Btag). So you know in advance exactly what the costs for the official act are and you will not be faced with any surprises.
- Supervision and quality: Only approved parties that meet the requirements of Justis (the screening authority of the Ministry of Justice and Security) are allowed to supervise these processes. Credifin is fully certified and registered in the debt collection register, which is your guarantee of legitimate and professional processing.
10 Tips for a legally watertight writ
A properly drafted bailiff's writ prevents misunderstandings and expensive discussions afterwards. Although the bailiff drafts the official deed, we at Credifin make sure all the details are correct. Here are the 10 critical points for a strong writ:
- Clear language: We make sure the message is understandable. Unnecessary legal jargon only confuses the other party.
- Proper authority: Indication of the proper court and - if known - the trial judge is essential for validity.
- Concrete action: It should be immediately clear to the recipient what is expected of him (e.g., pay within 24 hours).
- Crucial dates: Both the date of formatting and the final appearance date must appear in the deed without error.
- Complete attachments: A writ is only complete with all relevant documents, such as the summons or judgment.
- Official signature: Only a licensed judicial officer may sign the writ to make it legally valid.
- Careful filing: The original must be kept according to strict rules, while the client receives an official copy.
- Strict timing: We monitor deadlines so that the opposing party has sufficient time to respond, but the proceedings are not delayed.
- Proper service: The delivery must be made exactly according to the law (e.g., in person or to the residential address).
- Final check: A small form error can jeopardize an entire lawsuit. We check every detail before the bailiff goes out.
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Bailiff's writ, writ of garnishment and writ of summons
A bailiff's writ can take different forms, depending on the stage your case is at and exactly what is needed.
- Bailiff's writ
The collective name for official acts of the bailiff, such as when a summons is issued, a judgment is served or a contract is terminated. - Attachment writ
Used when an attachment is made, such as on income, bank deposits or property. The writ records what attachment has been made and under what conditions. - writ of summons
In a writ of summons, the bailiff personally hands one or more outstanding invoices to the debtor, without court intervention. It summons the debtor to pay within a very short period of time - often 24 hours.
We are happy to think along with you about both the amicable phase and possible legal proceedings. In this way, we increase the chance that your outstanding claim or invoice will still be paid, with as little escalation as possible.
Even at the legal stage, we ensure clear but neat and respectful communication. Thus, we combine a businesslike, compelling nature with an eye for the relationship and situation of all parties involved.
Want to have a bailiff's writ issued?
Are you about to sue, have a judgment served or seize? We are happy to look with you at which legal step is wise in your situation and what costs you can expect.
Send us your file and quickly receive clear advice, in understandable language and with an eye for the relationship with your client.
Frequently asked questions about the bailiff's writ (FAQ)
Although a registered letter provides proof of mailing, a writ provides proof of its contents and actual delivery by an officer. A debtor can refuse a registered letter or claim that the envelope was empty. With a writ, the delivery is conclusively established, which is crucial in legal proceedings.
The costs of a writ (the Btag fees) are initially advanced by the creditor. However, when you are ruled in favor by the court, the debtor is usually ordered to pay the litigation costs. This includes the cost of the writ, which means you will eventually recover it.
If the bailiff does not meet the debtor in person, the writ can be left in a sealed envelope in the mailbox (service at the place of residence). Also in this case the delivery is legally valid. The bailiff records this in the official report, so that you have immediate assurance that the process can continue.
Read more about this : What does a bailiff do when you are not at home?
A writ is an official document with binding evidential value. Because a bailiff personally hands (signifies) this document, a debtor can never afterwards deny in court that he was aware. This gives you the absolute legal certainty needed to successfully pursue further steps, such as a lawsuit or garnishment.
A subpoena is the legal document stating why someone must appear in court. The bailiff’s writ is the official act of the bailiff that proves that the summons was actually delivered to the right person. So you need both: the summons for its content, and the writ as official proof of delivery (service).
A Dutch bailiff may not independently issue a writ in Belgium. For international service we use our network of local partners. The document is then served across borders via an official procedure so that it is also legally valid in Belgium (or other EU countries).
Yes, you certainly can. As a private individual, you can use a writ for such purposes as the collection of a private loan, interrupting the statute of limitations, or in rent disputes. Please note that we do not handle alimony or family matters for individuals, but we do handle matters arising from contracts or leases.
When rent arrears persist, a writ is often used to officially terminate the lease or to serve an eviction notice. A summons writ may also be used to give the tenant a very last chance (often 24 hours) to pay before going to court is unavoidable.
You cannot oppose the writ itself (the act of delivery). However, you can object to the content of the document that has been handed over, such as a judgment that has been rendered in absentia (without your presence). This is subject to strict legal deadlines that start from the moment the writ is issued.
When a bailiff issues a garnishment notice for garnishment of your wages or benefits, he must take into account the garnishment-free amount. This is the portion of your income that you must always have left over for fixed expenses and living expenses. The bailiff is required by law to calculate this amount correctly and state it in the writ.
Yes, the costs for preparing and issuing a writ are in addition to the existing claim and collection costs. These so-called ‘writ costs’ are set by law (the Btag rate). In most cases we try to recover these costs in full from the debtor, provided the judge gives permission for this in the judgment.
Legal resources from our knowledge base
Court fees 2026: Current rates and legal fees explained
Statutory Interest: Calculation & Rules in 2026
