Can I also pay the lawyer fees in kind?
October 3, 2023 | 50,00 EUR | answered by Ralf Schröter
Dear attorney specializing in fee law,
I am reaching out to you with a question regarding the payment of attorney fees in kind. My name is David Krause and I have recently engaged the services of an attorney to represent me in a legal dispute. Unfortunately, I do not currently have enough liquid funds to settle the accruing attorney fees in cash or via bank transfer.
My attorney has suggested that I may be able to pay the fees in kind. However, I am unsure if this is legally possible and what legal consequences it may entail. I am concerned that my attorney may not agree to this form of payment or that it could lead to misunderstandings or disputes.
Could you please explain to me if there are any legal provisions that allow or prohibit the payment of attorney fees in kind? Are there specific requirements that need to be met to accept in kind payments? What possible alternatives are there to settle the attorney fees if I do not have sufficient financial means?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could assist me in this matter and provide me with possible solutions. Thank you in advance for your support.
Kind regards,
David Krause
Dear Mr. Krause,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the payment of legal fees in kind. It is understandable that you are concerned and unsure about how to cover the costs. I am happy to explain to you the legal aspects and options regarding the payment of legal fees in kind.
In principle, the payment of legal fees in kind is not regulated by law. This means that there is no specific legal provision that allows or prohibits the acceptance of goods as a means of payment for legal fees. It is therefore at the discretion of the lawyer whether to accept payment in kind or not.
In practice, however, it is not uncommon for lawyers to accept goods as a means of payment under certain conditions. These conditions can be individually agreed upon and depend on the specific situation. It is advisable to openly discuss your financial situation with your lawyer and find a solution that is acceptable to both parties.
If your lawyer agrees to accept payment in kind, you should document the exact terms in writing to avoid misunderstandings. It is important to clearly regulate the form of the goods, their value, and the transfer to avoid disputes.
If your lawyer does not accept payment in kind or if you cannot otherwise reach an agreement, there are various alternatives to pay the legal fees. These include, for example, installment payments, applying for legal aid, or requesting legal advice. Your lawyer can advise you on the various options and assist you in finding a solution.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your trust, and I wish you success in your legal dispute.
Sincerely,
Ralf Schröter
Lawyer specializing in fee law
