Hey Russ

There are a couple of offices in Geneva. You can google "offices des poursuites" and you'll find it. They have a website with the opening times etc.

I have a colleague who used to work in one of those offices in another city. Apparently the recipient can challenge by refusing to accept one. I think he signa that he does not accept.

The person chasing can then go to court or drop the case. BUT I am told that the refusal goes on record for 20 years. Now if the recipient wants to rent a new flat or get credit etc, then this will show up and often makes it impossible to get whatever it is that the recipient wants.

Yes, this means that some people can unfairly stain your record. You then have to go to court to have judge remove the entry. My colleague was saying it is a right pain becuas eof course they never give you a court time at 7:30 do they! It is always half way through your work which means taking time off work or whatever.

When I was moving into my apartment I had to go to the office des poursuites to get a certificate that I do not owe any money. I went to the one on Rue de Stand opposite the Mandarin hotel. There the young lady spoke good Englsih though they are all very modest and say they speak English just a little.

You could try going to the office which I think opens at 8:30 and talk across the counter and get some info. That way if their English is not so good, it may be easier than the phone.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

B