Joint and several liability

Joint and several liability means that multiple persons are each fully liable for the same debt, allowing the creditor to recover the full amount from any one of them. Once one debtor pays, the debt is extinguished for all. The paying debtor may then recover the shares of the others through a recourse action. For example: parents may be jointly and severally liable for school invoices.

Updated: 27/02/2026

The definitions presented in this section reflect the Belgian context, unless stated otherwise. The texts are intended to summarise the concepts in everyday language and should not be regarded as exhaustive or definitive. Suggestions or adjustments may always be sent to glossary@tcm.be.