Specific situations: case not on the roll and settled before introduction

Specific situations and how our tool handles them

Our tool not only calculates the standard RPV but also takes special circumstances into account. For each calculation, the tool displays five key amounts:

1. Minimum amount
2. Base amount
3. Maximum amount
4. Amount if the defendant concedes the claim and pays before the case is docketed
5. Amount if the defendant concedes the claim and pays after the case is docketed

To better understand these amounts, note how a lawsuit typically begins. It often starts with a summons, an official document that initiates legal proceedings. The summons is crucial because it largely determines which award rate applies.

Claim conceded before docketing

• If the defendant concedes the claim and pays the principal, interest and costs before the case is placed on the docket, no RPV is due (€0.00).
• The roll is an official register at the court. If your case appears there, it means the case is officially underway.
• A bailiff submits the served summons to the court, which then places the case on the docket.

Claim conceded after docketing

• If the defendant only concedes the claim after the case has been placed on the docket, and pays the principal, interest and costs, a reduced amount applies.
• In this situation, the RPV is 1/4 of the base amount, capped at €1,000.00.
• This €1,000.00 cap is set by law and is not subject to indexation.

This is not about an amicable settlement, nor about the date of the first hearing. What matters is that the defendant fully concedes the claim and pays the principal, interest and costs, and whether this happens before or after the case is placed on the docket (Article 1 of the Royal Decree of 26 October 2007). The same rule applies to the respondent on appeal.

For further details on the roll and introduction, consult the Judicial Code (for example, Article 700 for introduction and Article 711 for the roll).

This rule rewards a defendant who pays promptly: one who concedes before the case is docketed owes no RPV, and one who does so afterwards pays a reduced amount. This encourages parties to end a dispute without the judge having to rule on the merits.