Worked example: Small Claims Fee Limit in Brazil

Example inputs

Run this scenario in DocketMath using the Small Claims Fee Limit calculator.

This worked example shows how DocketMath can estimate the small claims fee limit in Brazil using jurisdiction-aware rules for BR.

Scenario

You want to file a small claims matter (Juizado Especial Cível) in Brazil, and you want a quick check of whether the claim value is within the fee-limit threshold used by the calculator.

Inputs used in this example

We’ll run the calculator with concrete numbers so you can see how the output changes.

Assumptions (so the run is reproducible)

To keep the example deterministic, we treat:

• Claim value as a starting principal-like figure (60,000 BRL).
• The case_includes_interest_and_fees toggle as true, meaning the calculator’s fee-limit basis includes the modeled additional amounts logic for this scenario.

If you want to mirror a different drafting style, you should change only the toggles (and the numeric claim basis) while keeping the rest constant—so you can attribute any output change to a specific input.

Example run

Open the tool and run it using the calculator route below:

• Primary CTA: /tools/small-claims-fee-limit
• Tool link (inline): /tools/small-claims-fee-limit

Run the Small Claims Fee Limit calculator using the example inputs above. Review the breakdown for intermediate steps (segments, adjustments, or rate changes) so you can see how each input moves the output. Save the result for reference and compare it to your actual scenario.

Run configuration

Below is the exact set of inputs reflected in this worked example.

• Jurisdiction: BR
• Forum type: Juizado Especial Cível
• Claim value (BRL): 60,000
• Filing stage: initial
• Includes interest/fees basis: true

What DocketMath returns (example output)

DocketMath produces a structured result intended for quick screening. In this example, the key outputs are:

• Computed fee-limit basis: 60,000 BRL (plus any modeled components from your toggle)
• Small-claims fee limit threshold: (a jurisdiction-aware ceiling used by the calculator’s Brazil rules)
• Pass/Fail: Pass (the claim value is within the limit used for this calculation)
• Estimated fee-limit impact: Applies full small-claims fee treatment (i.e., the calculator indicates your matter stays within the modeled small-claims bucket)

Reminder: your real filing may define “claim value” differently (e.g., principal-only vs. an “all-in” “valor da causa”). The case_includes_interest_and_fees toggle is there specifically to prevent the run from being misleading when the complaint’s quantified basis differs from a simple principal figure.

Interpreting the result

Here’s how to read the Pass/Fail output in practice:

• If Pass: The matter is within the small-claims fee limit threshold used by the calculator’s Brazil logic.
• If Fail: The matter may exceed the calculator’s modeled small-claims ceiling for fee-limit handling, which can change the procedural track (and therefore filing costs).

Quick checklist for this run

Use the following to confirm your inputs align with how you plan to draft the case:

• I used BR jurisdiction rules
• I selected Juizado Especial Cível small-claims procedure
• I set the “includes interest/fees basis” toggle to match how I expect the complaint’s “valor da causa” to be computed
• I used initial filing stage
• My claim value is 60,000 BRL

Sensitivity check

Now we test how stable the decision is. Instead of changing everything, we vary the single most influential input set: claim value and the interest/fees basis toggle.

To test sensitivity, change one high-impact input (like the rate, start date, or cap) and rerun the calculation. Compare the outputs side by side so you can see how small input shifts affect the result.

Sensitivity matrix

What this tells you

The key takeaway isn’t the label alone—it’s which inputs move the calculation:

• Claim value is usually the dominant driver.
• The interest/fees basis toggle can shift the fee-limit basis enough to change whether the calculator crosses its small-claims threshold.

Practical ways to use the sensitivity results

If you’re close to the boundary, you can use the sensitivity check to decide what to re-measure before you file:

• If the calculator flips from Pass to Fail when you toggle interest/fees:

  • Re-check how your draft complaint counts components toward the fee-limit basis (i.e., what you include in “valor da causa” for purposes of the model).
• If it stays Pass across claim value increments you consider realistic:

  • Your filing is likely comfortably within the small-claims fee-limit bucket (according to the tool’s modeled rules).

Mini “what-if” walkthrough

Assume you start with the original scenario:

• Claim value: 60,000 BRL
• Basis toggle: true
• Result: Pass

If your final draft “valor da causa” effectively excludes some modeled components:

• Change only: case_includes_interest_and_fees → false
• Keep claim value: 60,000
• DocketMath typically recalculates the fee-limit basis and may confirm Pass more confidently.

Conversely, if your numbers are likely higher than 60,000 once all components are included:

• Increase claim value to 80,000 BRL
• Keep toggle true
• DocketMath may return Fail if the ceiling is below the adjusted basis.

Related reading

• Small claims fees and limits in Rhode Island — Full how-to guide with jurisdiction-specific rules
• Small claims fees and limits in United States (Federal) — Full how-to guide with jurisdiction-specific rules
• Small Claims Fee & Limit Calculator Guide for Alabama