Important preliminary remark: Lawyers’ fees are not regulated in Belgium (they are determined on the basis of the difficulty and significance of the case, the name and reputation of the lawyer, the urgency of the case, the outcome of the case, etc.). However, lawyers in Belgium are bound by ethical rules and are legally obliged to give an estimate of expenses and costs that is fair and moderate (see above).
The estimate of expenses and costs is purely indicative.
Costs in Belgium
Costs of proceedings at first instance and appeal, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR)
Case study |
Proceedings at first instance |
Appeal proceedings |
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) |
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Initial costs of proceedings |
Transcription costs |
Initial costs of proceedings |
Transcription costs |
Is this option available in this type of case? |
Costs |
|
Case A |
EUR 82 |
EUR 2.85 per page (royal decree (arrêté royal) No 64 of 30 November 1939, Belgian Official Gazette 1 December 1939) |
EUR 186 |
EUR 2.85 per page (royal decree No 64 of 30 November 1939, Belgian Official Gazette 1 December 1939) |
yes |
See the section entitled ‘What is the cost of mediation?’ on the Mediation in Belgium page |
Case B |
EUR 82 |
EUR 2.85 per page (royal decree No 64 of 30 November 1939, Belgian Official Gazette 1 December 1939) |
EUR 186 |
EUR 2.85 per page (royal decree No 64 of 30 November 1939, Belgian Official Gazette 1 December 1939) |
yes |
See the section entitled ‘What is the cost of mediation?’ on the Mediation in Belgium page |
Fees of lawyers, bailiffs (huissier de justice) and expert witnesses (expert)
Case study |
Lawyer |
Bailiff |
Expert witness |
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Is representation compulsory? |
Average costs |
Is representation compulsory? |
Costs prior to the judgment |
Costs after the judgment |
Is their involvement compulsory? |
|
Case A |
no |
around EUR 3 000 |
no |
around EUR 500 |
around EUR 250 |
no |
Case B |
no |
around EUR 3 000 |
no |
around EUR 500 |
around EUR 250 |
no |
Costs relating to payment of witnesses (témoin), proof by oath (serment) or other guarantee
Case study |
Payment of witnesses |
Proof by oath or other guarantee |
|
Are witnesses paid? |
Cost |
Does this apply and when and how is it implemented? |
|
Case A |
yes |
BEF 200 or EUR 4.96 |
In civil proceedings, as a general rule, the obligation to provide a deposit when commencing proceedings may arise in the case provided for in Article 851 of the Judicial Code (Code judiciaire). In this case, a claimant who is a foreign national may be obliged to provide a deposit. A Belgian respondent may request that the foreign claimant or intervener provide a deposit. Article 852 specifies the form the deposit may take (sum of money, security, etc.). See fact sheet on transparency of costs. |
Case B |
yes |
BEF 200 or EUR 4.96 |
In civil proceedings, as a general rule, the obligation to provide a deposit when commencing proceedings may arise in the case provided for in Article 851 of the Judicial Code. In this case, a claimant who is a foreign national may be obliged to provide a deposit. A Belgian respondent may request that the foreign claimant or intervener provide a deposit. Article 852 specifies the form the deposit may take (sum of money, security, etc.). See fact sheet on transparency of costs. |
Legal aid (aide juridique) costs and other types of reimbursement
See the Legal aid section of the page on the costs of proceedings.
Translation and interpretation costs
Case study |
Translation |
Interpretation |
Other costs relating to cross-border disputes? |
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When and under what conditions is it necessary? |
Approximate cost? |
When and under what conditions is it necessary? |
Approximate cost? |
Description |
Approximate cost? |
|
Case A |
where the documents are necessary for the proceedings |
between EUR 7.57 and EUR 34.48 per page |
where the respondent does not understand the language of the proceedings |
between EUR 31.61 and EUR 54.62 per hour |
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Case B |
where the documents are necessary for the proceedings |
between EUR 7.57 and EUR 34.48 per page |
where the respondent does not understand the language of the proceedings |
between EUR 31.61 and EUR 54.62 per hour |
costs of declaration of enforceability (exequatur) |
around EUR 100 |
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