Civil law in Belgium

Belgian civil law is largely based on written legal rules. It governs private rights and duties when no special legal field takes priority. Contract law concerns agreements that create obligations. A valid agreement can require parties to deliver goods, perform services, pay money, or respect another promise. Parties should act according to the agreement and applicable mandatory rules. When a party fails to perform, the other party may seek performance, compensation, termination, or another suitable remedy. Civil liability concerns harm caused to another person. A claim commonly requires a legal basis for responsibility, proven damage, and a connection between the conduct and the harm. Property law determines how people own, use, transfer, and share things. It also helps organize relationships among owners, neighbors, occupants, and holders of other property rights. Family and inheritance law address personal status, family relationships, separation, care arrangements, estates, and succession. Notaries and courts may have important roles depending on the matter. Evidence is essential in civil disputes. Contracts, invoices, official acts, correspondence, expert findings, witness information, and other lawful proof can show what happened. Many disputes begin with a written request or formal notice. Negotiation, mediation, or another agreed solution may avoid a full court case. If no solution is reached, the competent civil court can hear the claim and issue an enforceable decision. Jurisdiction depends on the subject, parties, location, and nature of the dispute.