Procedures
What to actually do, in order
Each procedure sets out who may file, the deadline that ends your right to act, every document you must produce, the realistic timeline and cost, and the specific pitfalls that cause cases to fail on technicalities.
- BelgiumLitigationbeginner
Bring a claim before the justice of the peace in Belgium
The justice of the peace is the most accessible Belgian court and where most disputes between individuals belong. It hears smaller money claims plus a mandatory list that includes residential tenancy, neighbour disputes, consumer credit and unpaid utility bills — whatever the amount. You may appear in person without a lawyer.
8 steps Two to six months to judgment in an undefended case Registry fee plus a contribution to the Legal Aid Fund; bailiff costs where a writ is used. Legal aid (pro deo) available on income grounds. - NetherlandsLitigationbeginner
Bring a money claim at the subdistrict court (kantonrechter)
Recover an unpaid debt or resolve an employment or tenancy dispute before the kantonrechter, the division of the district court where you may act without a lawyer. It hears civil claims up to EUR 25,000 and all employment and tenancy cases regardless of value.
7 steps Roughly 6 weeks to several months, depending on whether the defendant defends Court registration fee (griffierecht) scaled to the claim and the claimant type; reduced rates for low incomes - United StatesLitigationbeginner
File a small claims case in California
Recover up to $12,500 as an individual without a lawyer. Small claims court is designed to be used without representation and hearings are informal.
9 steps 30-70 days from filing to hearing $30-$75 filing fee, plus service costs