The bailiffs have general jurisdiction to ensure compliance with obligations laid down in court judgments. In practice these most often take the form of judgment debts. Due taxes and public fees, as well as certain comparable civil debts, are executable without need for a judgment. Also fines, fixed-sum fines and parking tickets are collected by way of enforcement, where necessary. Enforcement is applied for from the District Bailiff of the municipality where the debtor resides.
Seized property is liquidated by compulsory auction.
Wages, salaries and pensions can be attached at source at a maximum rate of 33 per cent. However, the debt or must in any event be left with a minimum sum deemed necessary for subsistence. The decisions of the bailiffs are subject to appeal in a District Court.