III. — 7:302 Suspension in case of judicial and other proceedings

The running of the period of prescription is suspended from the time when judicial proceedings to assert the right are begun.

Suspension lasts until a decision has been made which has the effect of res judicata, or until the case has been otherwise disposed of. Where the proceedings end within the last six months of the prescription period without a decision on the merits, the period of prescription does not expire before six months have passed after the time when the proceedings ended.

These provisions apply, with appropriate adaptations, to arbitration proceedings, to mediation proceedings, to proceedings whereby an issue between two parties is referred to a third party for a binding decision and to all other proceedings initiated with the aim of obtaining a decision relating to the right.

Mediation proceedings mean structured proceedings whereby two or more parties to a dispute attempt to reach an agreement on the settlement of their dispute with the assistance of a mediator.