VIDEO: What does the initial consultation with a lawyer cost?
Lawyers bill their services in accordance with the Lawyers' Remuneration Act. In it, the legislature lays down exactly what a lawyer may demand from the client.
No arbitration of fees with the lawyer
- Since lawyers have the monopoly to advise citizens legally, the legislature has specified what the initial consultation with a lawyer costs. Under no circumstances may the attorney charge fees as he sees fit.
- Especially if you just want to find out more, you are interested in an initial consultation. Then they should costs be calculable and manageable for you.
Initial consultation for a maximum of 190 EUR
- If you are a consumer and the legal work is limited to an initial consultation, the lawyer can charge a maximum of EUR 190. Depending on how easy or difficult it is to answer your questions, you pay less, but never more than 190 EUR. Simple questions can easily be settled with 20 EUR. The lawyer is responsible for setting the fee in individual cases.
- This means that the question of what does the initial consultation with a lawyer cost has not yet been fully answered. The fee is only incurred for advice or information.
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Initial discussion for advice or information
- Advice is a recommendation from the lawyer to the client as to how to deal with a particular situation because of them he has approached him, should behave (client has received a warning and wants to know what he is doing target).
- Information is to be understood as the answer to a specific question of a general nature. In contrast to the advice, the lawyer lacks a recommendation for a certain behavior (client asks about the notice period for his employment contract).
- The fee for the initial consultation with the lawyer can arise in all matters and areas of law in which the lawyer is allowed to act.
- The initial consultation is followed by another activity of the lawyer, which is related to the consultation stands, the consulting fee is based on the later activity, which is billed with separate fees, counted.
- This fee limit of EUR 190 only applies if you as a consumer ask for advice and your problem is not the subject of your commercial or self-employed activity. Then the lawyer settles according to the object or value in dispute and is no longer bound by the initial consultation fee.
- The lawyer must advise you on the consequences of the charges, if he does not want to leave it to advice and information and recommends further measures.
What does it cost to give advice in case of need?
- If your income does not exceed a certain limit, you can also apply for advice at the local court in accordance with the Advice on Assistance Act. The lawyer will be reimbursed EUR 30 from the state treasury and will charge you a consulting fee of EUR 10. He can also waive this fee if you are in need.
- When you go to the lawyer, prepare the interview. Take all the necessary documents with you so that you can discuss the matter properly.
- Make it clear to the lawyer what you want, especially if you just need advice or information. Ask specifically how much does the initial consultation with a lawyer cost. If possible, only decide after the initial consultation how you want to proceed.
