In the case of lawsuits that exclusively seek payment of a sum of money up to € 75,000, a so-called order for payment is filed with the court. The court reviews the action and then issues a conditional payment order, which is served on the defendant. The defendant has four weeks to lodge an objection to the payment order. If they fails to do so, the order for payment becomes final and enforceable. If the defendant raises an objection, the payment order ceases to have effect and an oral hearing is held, followed by a judgment. The order for payment procedure is of great importance in practice, as the majority of all lawsuits do not exceed an amount in dispute of EUR 75,000.
