Rates, fees, and costs

1.   Intake interview for a new file

Each initial meeting is complimentary and serves as an exploratory session with a duration of 30 minutes. During this session, you will present the issue and your inquiry, and we will review the potential solutions and approaches with you.

2.   Fee

This fee compensates the lawyer for the services rendered. As of January 1, 2014, we, as lawyers, are subject to value-added tax (VAT) and must charge 21% VAT on fees and expenses. The determination of the fee will be clearly and transparently agreed upon at the beginning of the cooperation.

There are two options regarding fees:

(a) The hourly rate

The fees may vary according to the complexity and urgency of the case. Unless otherwise agreed, fees are always determined on the basis of the following hourly rates (excluding VAT):

  • Partner: 150 - 200 EUR per hour

  • Associate: 125 - 145 EUR per hour

  • Administration: 75 EUR per hour

(b) Flat rates

Flat rates can be determined in consultation with the client, and a system can be applied for procedurally simple cases (e.g., collection of invoices) whereby the costs and fees are covered by charging the other party for the litigation compensation awarded by judgment, the damage clause, and the interest on the invoice, so that the client can recover his entire invoice (100% of the principal amount). In the event that the other party is insolvent, only the office expenses (see point 4 below) will be charged.

3. Document management

  • The average duration of letters is 10 minutes at an hourly rate.

  • The average duration of email correspondence is 5 minutes at an hourly rate.

  • Processing incoming email: 2 minutes at hourly rate

4. Administrative costs (excluding VAT)

  • Creation of file: 65 EUR

  • Cost of letter: 10 EUR

  • Cost of registered letter: 18 EUR

  • The cost of a copy is 0.30 EUR per page.

  • Color copy: 0.75 EUR per page

5. Travel expenses (excluding VAT)

The rate is 0.60 EUR per kilometer

6. Court costs and expenses

These expenses refer to costs that the lawyer has had to advance to third parties for the client in the execution of his assignment. Such costs may include bailiff and court clerk fees, as well as the fees associated with translators, authorities, public authorities, and searches. These expenses are subsequently passed on to the client at the effective cost, and a detailed breakdown is provided in the statement of expenses and fees.

7. Billing

The lawyer may provide an intermediate statement of expenses and fees on a monthly basis or at other suitable times and send an invoice to the client. The lawyer may request one or more provisions (commissions) from the client before the start of the assignment and during the course of handling the case and send an invoice for them.

A retainer is a lump sum paid by the client to the lawyer prior to the rendering of services. In the final statement of expenses and fees, advances are deducted from the total amount.

Another option is to establish a subscription formula, whereby a fixed monthly amount is paid, with the money being deducted from the services and expenses provided.

8. Terms of payment

Invoices are due within 15 days from the date of invoice, mentioning our reference. If payment is not made on time, interest on arrears of 10% shall be payable by operation of law. In case of non-payment on the due date, a fixed compensation of 10% will be charged.

Inquiries or concerns regarding our invoices should be submitted in writing via registered mail within eight days of the invoice date.

If a commission or fee is not paid in a timely manner, the firm reserves the right to suspend work. The firm shall not be held liable for any damages that may result from the suspension of its work due to non-payment.

The firm's liability is limited to the amount covered by its collective professional liability insurance policy.

Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Antwerp, and Belgian law is applicable.