What fees are incurred if I want to change my lawyer?
February 6, 2022 | 60,00 EUR | answered by Ralf Schröter
Dear Lawyer,
I am Thomas Schwaru and I have a question regarding the fees that may be incurred if I want to change my current lawyer. The background is as follows: Due to dissatisfaction with the advice and the way my current lawyer is handling my case, I have decided to consider a switch. I am currently involved in a legal dispute and want to ensure that I have the best possible legal representation.
The current situation is that I have already had several appointments with my current lawyer and have also incurred some costs for his services. There is therefore uncertainty about whether and to what extent fees will be incurred if I decide to change lawyers. I am concerned that a switch could lead to additional costs that I may not be able to afford.
My question to you as an expert in fee law is therefore: What specific fees are incurred when I want to change my lawyer and what is the typical amount? Are there possible solutions to keep the costs as low as possible? I would like to know what financial impact a switch could have on me in order to make an informed decision.
Thank you in advance for your support and information on this matter.
Best regards,
Thomas Schwaru
Dear Mr. Schwaru,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the fees that may incur if you wish to change your current lawyer. I understand your concerns and uncertainties regarding potential costs and would like to provide you with a comprehensive response.
If you decide to change your lawyer, various costs may arise. First, you should check if you have already entered into a fee agreement with your current lawyer. Typically, legal services are billed according to the Lawyers' Remuneration Act (RVG), unless a different fee agreement has been made. In this case, you may have to comply with a notice period or pay a fee for services already rendered.
Changing lawyers can generally involve additional costs, as the new lawyer will need to familiarize themselves and be informed about the current status of your case. This means that new fees for consultation and representation by the new lawyer may apply. The specific costs may vary depending on the duration and scope of your current lawyer's previous work and the complexity of your case. Therefore, it is advisable to discuss the expected costs with the new lawyer in advance and possibly make a cost agreement.
To keep costs as low as possible, I recommend carefully considering whether changing lawyers is truly necessary. You may also be able to discuss your dissatisfaction with your current lawyer and find a solution together. If you still wish to change lawyers, it is advisable to inquire about the exact costs in advance and consider alternative financing options if necessary.
Overall, when changing lawyers, it is important to ensure that you are informed transparently about the costs and, if necessary, enter into a cost agreement with the new lawyer to avoid unpleasant surprises.
I hope this information has been helpful to you. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely,
Ralf Schröter
