Restrictions on access to debt enforcement register
The Swiss Debt Enforcement and Bankruptcy Act (DEBA) allows the
initiation of debt enforcement proceedings before a court becomes
involved. A creditor can request the competent debt enforcement
office (normally at the domicile of the debtor) to issue a payment
order to the debtor. The office serves that payment order without
verifying the existence and enforceability of the purported claim;
however, the debtor may declare its objection, within 10 days, to
the debt enforcement office. If the debtor objects to the payment
order, the creditor will first have to obtain a favourable court
decree before continuing with the enforcement proceedings. If, on
the other hand, the debtor does not object to the payment order,
the creditor may directly continue with enforcement proceedings,
which will ultimately lead to the seizure of assets in the case of
individuals or bankruptcy where legal entities are involved
(generally
