1. DEBT COLLECTIONIN FRANCEA presentation brought to you byBridgeWest.eu

2. About debt collection In order to recover any outstanding liabilities, thecreditors are counseled to start a process of debtcollection. When the attempts to negotiate with the debtortheir payments have failed, the creditors are advisedto use the help of a debt collection agency or a lawfirm in France. 3. The process of debtcollection in France The process of debt collection in France canbe divided into the following procedures: amicable recovery Court recovery procedure For more details you may call our Frenchlawyers who will represent you in the procedureof debt recovery. 4. The amicable recovery The amicable recovery is the first step of any debt-recoveryprocess and consists in: checking the debtor's dates of contact sending a registered letter with all the informationregarding the outstanding debt sending a reminder regarding it after a period oftime If it's possible, installments of the debt are settledor a large period of time is given to the debtor inorder to pay in full the liability. 5. The Court recoveryprocedure The Court recovery procedure begins when theamicable recovery procedure has failed and there are noother options left in order to recover the debt. In the beginning the debtor is usually receiving a letterregarding the beginning of legal procedure.The Commercial Court is usually used and it ispossible to appeal the first instance court decision butnot later than one month. 6. The Court recoveryprocedureThe necessary documents for depositing theclaim at the court are: the copies of the contract invoices and a declaration of accountindicating payments credit notes that have been registeredagainst the outstanding invoices. 7. The Court recovery procedure Usually, it takes around eight months to reach a decision.This period may be doubled or even extended on severalyears if appeals are raised against the initial decision. As a result, if the court is in favor of the claimant, theforced execution can start. Only the bailiffs can handle theenforcement of a judicial decision. If the debtor is not payingits debts, the bankruptcy process can start. 8. The bankruptcy process There are two types of enforcements that can beinstituted: on movable goods on immovable goods In the first case the bailiff is visiting the debtor andtakes movable goods which can be auction in order tocover the claims. 9. The bankruptcy process The immovable goods enforcement is applicableonly if the debtor owns a real estate. The property is also auction in order to coverthe debts. The last method is rarely used, as onlyfew companies own real estate. For assistance with the issues regarding debtcollection in France, you can ask our lawyers inFrance. 10. Thank you for yourattention!Please contact us for more information at:office@lawyersfrance.euwww.lawyersfrance.eu(+44)203-287 0408