Claim amount

What is the claim amount?

The claim amount refers to the monetary value of a legal dispute. It indicates how much two parties are disputing in court. In debt collection, this means: the claim amount shows the value of the outstanding demand that is being contested. It is stated in euros and forms the basis for many legal decisions.

This procedural value is important because courts, lawyers, and other involved parties use it to calculate various fees. It can also influence which court has jurisdiction. As a rule of thumb, the higher the claim amount, the higher the potential costs of the proceedings.

What determines the claim amount in debt collection?

In debt collection proceedings, the claim amount usually consists of the unpaid principal debt. This is the amount the debtor has not yet paid.

Additional elements may be taken into account:

• Dunning fees or collection costs

• Default interest, if it is being claimed

• Any claims for damages, provided they are part of the case

The precise value depends on what is actually in dispute and being claimed – additional charges are not automatically included.

When does the claim amount become relevant in debt collection?

The claim amount becomes relevant as soon as the case moves to the next stage – specifically, when a lawyer is involved or court proceedings begin.

Typical situations include:

• A dunning notice is requested

• Litigation is initiated

• A court checks its jurisdiction

• A law firm invoices its services

As long as a debt collection case remains out of court, the value of the claim usually plays a minor role. Once judicial proceedings begin, however, the claim amount becomes a fixed part of the legal documentation.

Who determines the claim amount?

At first, the claim amount is usually set by the creditor – often via the debt collection agency or a lawyer acting on their behalf.

The competent court then reviews this amount as the case progresses. If the court finds that the amount was calculated incorrectly, it may adjust it. In the end, the final determination of the claim amount lies with the court.

How is the claim amount calculated in debt collection?

The calculation of the claim amount follows a simple principle: the total sum of money being claimed in the legal process is decisive.

Typical components include:

• The unpaid invoice amount (principal claim)

• Dunning or default fees, if they are legally valid

• Interest accrued up to the current date

• Any additional claims such as contractual fees or damages

Whether all these items are included depends on the specific case and the current stage of the process. Therefore, the final calculation may vary.

Court fees in the judicial dunning process and litigation costs can also be quickly calculated using our court fee calculator.

Where is the claim amount stated?

The claim amount is always specified when a claim is formally submitted – meaning during legal actions or official applications.

Common places where the claim amount appears:

• In the dunning notice application

• In the statement of claim

• In the lawyer’s cost breakdown

• In court rulings or decisions

It also often appears in the court’s cost statement. There, it serves as the basis for calculating all related fees.

What role does the claim amount play in judicial debt collection?

In judicial debt collection, the claim amount plays a central role. It affects many parts of the process – especially when it comes to jurisdiction and the amount of costs involved.

It determines:

• Which court is responsible for the case

• How high the court and legal fees will be

• How additional fee components are calculated

• The overall financial scale of the proceedings

The claim amount thus provides structure and clarity for everyone involved. It defines the scope of the legal dispute and acts as a binding reference point for all further steps in the process.