Can I cover the lawyer's fees with legal aid?
April 11, 2024 | 70,00 EUR | answered by Alice Schulz
Dear Sir or Madam,
I am reaching out to you in the hopes of gaining clarity regarding the coverage of my legal fees through legal aid. I am currently facing a legal dispute that is proving to be very costly, and I am unsure if I can afford the legal fees.
The situation is as follows: I was involved in an accident in which I was not at fault. However, the other party claims otherwise and wants to claim damages from me. As I have no financial reserves and my income is low, I am facing a financial problem. I have already consulted with a lawyer who has now presented me with fees that I cannot currently afford.
My concerns are great, as I cannot adequately defend myself against the accusations of the other party without legal representation. I fear that my right to a fair trial is not guaranteed without qualified legal advice.
Therefore, my question to you is: Can I cover the legal fees through legal aid? Are there any options to receive financial support to cover my legal costs? I am grateful for any information and support that you can provide me in this difficult situation.
Sincerely,
Ralf Bauer
Dear Mr. Bauer,
Thank you for your inquiry and I understand your concerns regarding the coverage of legal costs through legal aid in your legal dispute. It is important that you know what support options are available to you in this difficult situation.
Legal aid is a government support for individuals with low incomes to cover the costs of a legal dispute. It is granted when the prospects of success in your legal pursuit or defense do not seem hopeless from the outset and your financial circumstances do not allow you to cover the costs. In your case, where you were involved in an accident innocently and have to defend against unjustified claims, the prerequisites for legal aid may be met.
To apply for legal aid, you must submit an application to the relevant court. This application should include all relevant information about your financial circumstances to assess whether you can bear the costs yourself. Your lawyer can assist you in the application process and ensure that all necessary documents are submitted in full.
It is important to note that legal aid can cover not only lawyer's fees but also court costs and, if necessary, expert fees. If your application is approved, you can continue to engage your lawyer without having to worry about the financial burden.
I strongly recommend that you contact your lawyer and prepare the application for legal aid together. Your lawyer will inform you about the next steps and ensure that you are adequately represented.
I hope this information helps you and that you receive the necessary legal support to effectively defend your interests. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have any further questions.
Best regards,
Alice Schulz
Lawyer specializing in fee law
