Law Firm Peter De Cock aims to work as transparently as possible. Which is why we communicate as openly as possible about all the costs that a legal case entails. The costs consist mainly of 3 components:
- The lawyer fee
- The operating expenses of the office (correspondence, travel, …)
- Court costs (proceedings, experts, …)
There are several ways to calculate the fee:
For a case according to an hourly rate, a fixed rate per hour is agreed before the case is started. The rate depends on several factors: the value of the case, complexity, familiarity with the subject matter, urgency, …
An hour is divided into six-minute units. The rate differs per case and ranges from € 125/hour to€ 325/hour. We also always work with a conditional fee.
This means that if the case is ruled in your favour, in whole or in part, in addition to the agreed hourly rate, you pay us a percentage calculated on the value of the case.
For cases with a monetary value, the value of the case means the benefit you obtain: i.e. what you actually receive from the counterparty in money or what the counterparty has claimed and you do not have to pay, in whole or in part.
If the case is not settled in your favour -you receive nothing or you have to pay everything to the counterparty or the counterparty turns out to be insolvent -you do not pay the conditional fee.
In the case of a value-based fee, a certain percentage is agreed based on the monetary value of the case. For example:
- From 0 to 10,000 euro: 15%
- From 10,000 to 100,000 euro: 12%
- Above 100,000 euro: 8%
Thus you know in advance exactly what fees to expect when choosing this way of working.
We examine each case to determine the best formula for you.
We can never say in advance exactly what a case will cost or what the chances of success are. However, we can provide a realistic estimate based on our experience. In some cases we can also perform a solvency analysis of the counterparty.
We maintain detailed performance sheets, and you will be regularly informed concerning the costs. With each development in the case, we will consult with you concerning the options and risks.
In many of the cases that we handle, our clients do not bear the costs, or must bear only a part of the costs. This is possible thanks to legal expenses insurance and/or the statutorily prescribed contribution towards the other party’s legal representation costs.
We can discuss all the options with you and assess the opportunities and risks at an introductory meeting at our office. An introductory meeting will cost 100 euros. This fee must be paid in cash.
The costs of an introductory meeting will be deducted if the case is pursued.
Since 2014, lawyer services are subject to VAT. The amounts mentioned above are exclusive of 21% VAT. More information can be found in this circular.
