Out-of-court settlement

An out-of-court settlement is an out-of-court settlement for a crime. It is designed to avoid long, expensive and difficult proceedings through the courts.

Parties can resolve their dispute among themselves in a settlement agreement. Such an agreement is final and binding. Lawyers can help negotiate such a settlement agreement.

Even if proceedings are already under way, it is possible to reach an amicable settlement. In that case, the lawyers of the parties involved will help guide the negotiations. If an agreement is reached, the parties will have it recorded in the judgment in order to be opposable.

Another possibility for reaching a mutual agreement or amicable settlement without incurring costs for proceedings is the summoning in conciliation before a judge. This form of reconciliation is free of charge and voluntary. Any party to a dispute can initiate it, but cannot force the other party to comply. The judge helps look for a solution, but cannot impose one. An agreement recorded in a report and provided with an enforcement form has the same value as a judgment. If no agreement is possible, court proceedings still remain possible. It is the court with jurisdiction over the dispute that supervises such a conciliation hearing. For rent disputes, neighbour disputes, marital problems and minor disputes concerning money matters, for example, this is the justice of the peace.