When do I have to pay the costs for my lawyer?
April 20, 2023 | 60,00 EUR | answered by Ralf Schröter
Dear lawyer,
I am reaching out to you as I am unsure about when I need to pay the costs for my lawyer. I recently sought legal advice and now I am concerned about how and when the bill will be due.
For background information: I consulted a lawyer to assist me in a dispute with my landlord. The legal advice was comprehensive and very helpful, but now I am wondering when I can expect the lawyer's bill. I have heard that costs for lawyers can often be high and I would like to plan in advance how I can cover these expenses.
My concerns are that I am not exactly sure how the cost law works in relation to lawyers and whether I need to pay the bill immediately or if there is also an option for installment payments. I want to make sure that I can afford the costs of the legal advice without getting into financial difficulties.
Therefore, my question to you is: When do I need to pay the costs for my lawyer? Are there different payment options that I can consider? How can I ensure that I pay the bill on time without jeopardizing my financial situation?
I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with more information on this matter so that I can prepare accordingly.
Thank you in advance for your help and support.
Yours sincerely,
Yvonne Schneider
Dear Mrs. Schneider,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the costs for your lawyer. It is understandable that you are concerned about when and how you need to pay the bill, especially when it comes to legal matters that are often associated with high costs.
In general, the costs for lawyers are invoiced according to the Lawyers' Remuneration Act (RVG). This law regulates the fees that a lawyer can charge for their services. The amount of the fees depends, among other things, on the value of the matter and the extent of the legal services provided.
In your case, since you have sought legal advice, your lawyer will send you a bill for the consultation. This bill is generally due immediately. This means that you should settle the bill within a reasonable period, usually within 14 days.
However, if it is not financially feasible for you to pay the bill all at once, you usually have the option to arrange a payment plan with your lawyer. Many lawyers are willing to offer a payment plan to accommodate their clients and ensure that they can pay the bill without getting into financial difficulties. It is important that you discuss this with your lawyer early on so that an appropriate agreement can be made.
It is advisable to discuss the costs with your lawyer in a timely manner and clarify any payment terms to avoid unpleasant surprises. Also, inquire about possible coverage of costs by your legal expenses insurance if you have one.
I hope that this information has been helpful to you and I am happy to assist you with any further questions. Thank you for your trust and I wish you all the best for your legal matter.
Sincerely,
Ralf Schröter
Lawyer
