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A distinction is made between the following:
the charges for services rendered
by the lawyer: his or her fees. Article 459 of judicial code stipulates that "The Lawyers shall set their fees with the modesty that may be expected from their position". This supposes that each lawyer is free to fix their hourly rate (within the limits of the ethical rules, integrity and dignity). Several factors determine the rate: the complexity of the litigation, the size of the interests, the lawyer's specialisation,
the degree of urgency, the liability taken on by the lawyer, the client's financial situation, etc.
indirect costs:
administration, travel, translations, etc.
legal or procedural costs: costs for bailiffs, appeals, court fees, recording costs, etc.
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Home Page -> The lawyer -> What does he cost?
What does a lawyer cost?
Talk about this when making initial contact!
You have the right to know the way that the lawyer's services will be remunerated and how the costs connected to managing the case will be calculated.
The Charleroi Bar has set up an option method of assessing fees based on a precisely timed statement of services agreed between the lawyer and the client when opening a case (article 155a of the regulations).
Once an option is chosen, the lawyer cannot unilaterally go back to using another calculation method.
Pending instruction, you can also request an indicative summary of the services and costs connected with your case.
The lawyer is furthermore bound to seek payment of retainers which are to be deducted from his/her final statement, as the case progresses.
If you do not have the means to pay a lawyer, you can, in certain circumstances, benefit from the following legal aid:
If a problem arises between the lawyer and his/her client regarding fees,
the President of the Bar and the Association Council of
Lawyers are competent to assess and resolve fee disputes between the lawyer and his/her client. You can address a request by post for
the attention of the President of the Bar. Standard forms are available from the Bar's administrative office.
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