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Kanzlei Verbracken & Partner
Attachment and insolvency: what remains for living costs?
Attachment protection takes essential living costs into account. Calculation depends on income type, maintenance duties and proceedings. An employee threshold cannot simply be applied to self-employment, every pension product or foreign proceedings.
Employment income: current starting amount
From 1 July 2026, the monthly basic amount under section 850c ZPO is EUR 1,587.40. This is not necessarily the full protected amount. Maintenance duties, the statutory table and special attachment types affect the result. Use the table for the relevant period and assess your circumstances.
Bank-account and income attachment
Protection at the employer and protection of a bank balance differ. Account attachment requires separate assessment of protected-account rules, certificates and possible court decisions. An income statement alone does not resolve every account issue. Note delivery dates and assemble the relevant documents promptly.
Self-employment and pensions
For self-employment, distinguish turnover, necessary business expenses and disposable income. Other income may require an application under section 850i ZPO. Pensions need assessment by type. Disclose every income source: examining each amount in isolation can produce the wrong result.
No automatic transfer to EU procedures
Other countries apply their own rules to income and living costs. A German allowance is not a general European minimum. Compare household, income, expenditure and contribution duration. An advisory enquiry or relocation does not automatically stop existing enforcement.
Sources and legal foundations
Sources checked: 14 September 2026
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