julgado de paz
Published 5 November 2026, 22:39
julgado de paz (small claims court)
A small court for civil disputes worth up to €15,000. It is quick, requires no lawyer and follows simple rules. The fee is €70 per case: half is paid by the person bringing the claim and the rest by the losing side.
Where you come across it. A money dispute with a shop, a car dealer, a repair shop, a landlord or a neighbour that could not be settled by agreement or through arbitration.
Small claims courts do not exist everywhere, so first check whether there is one in your municipality. Anything worth more than €15,000, and any criminal matter, goes to an ordinary court.
Official website: justica.gov.pt/Servicos/Iniciar-processo-num-Julgado-de-Paz
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