Clear fees for a transparent working relationship
Your legal situation is unique
For this reason, Pauline Goffioul’s fees are determined transparently, in accordance with the rules governing the information to be provided concerning fees, costs and disbursements.
Fees are set according to the nature of your case, its complexity, any urgency and the issues involved. The aim is to establish a clear and constructive working relationship from the first appointment.
Fees cover the work carried out by Pauline Goffioul, such as consultations, review of the case file, preparation of detailed legal opinions, advice, legal research, drafting procedural documents, assistance during court proceedings and pleadings. Belgian law allows lawyers to determine their fees freely, subject to the moderation required by Article 446ter of the Judicial Code.
Pauline Goffioul uses three billing methods: hourly billing, fixed fees and success fees.
Billing methods
Hourly rate
The time spent on your case is recorded accurately on the basis of an hourly rate agreed during the first meeting. The hourly rate takes into account the nature of the case, its complexity, any urgency and the issues involved. It ranges from €150 to €220 excluding VAT, depending on the type of case.
Pauline Goffioul aims to request regular advance payments in line with the work completed and anticipated, so that costs remain predictable throughout the matter.
Fixed fee
For certain predictable matters, such as reviewing agreements or straightforward legal consultations, a fixed overall fee may be agreed in advance.
Success fee
A fee agreement may include a variable component linked to the successful outcome of the case, calculated on the sums recovered for you or the amounts saved as a result of Pauline Goffioul’s intervention.
Belgian law does not allow a lawyer’s remuneration to depend exclusively on the outcome obtained. The fee agreement will therefore provide for a minimum fee based on an hourly rate or a fixed fee, regardless of the result. At the end of the case, the following success fee may be added:
- €1 to €5,000: 12%
- €5,000.01 to €12,500: 10%
- €12,500.01 to €24,500: 8%
- €25,000.01 to €100,000: 7%
- €100,000.01 to €300,000: 6%
- €300,000.01 to €1,000,000: 5%
- Above €1,000,000.01: 3.5%
Other financial provisions
Costs and disbursements
In addition to legal fees, administrative charges apply to cover the following services:
- opening a file: €70
- travel expenses: €0.80/km
- photocopies: €0.60/page
- accounting entries: €2/line
- incoming correspondence and scanning: €1/page
- correspondence and drafting procedural documents: €12/page
- disbursements: expenses advanced on behalf of the client, such as bailiff, court registry, expert or translator costs.
Disbursements are external costs and include, in particular, court-related expenses incurred in connection with the matter, such as court registration fees and contributions to the second-line legal aid fund, as well as other costs required for the proceedings, including translation, technical advice or interpreting costs.
Some of these costs will be invoiced directly to you by the relevant service provider. This is notably the case for bailiff costs relating to service of proceedings, which are subject to VAT.
Other costs may be paid by Pauline Goffioul and subsequently invoiced to you at cost.
If you are successful in court proceedings, some of these costs may be recoverable from the unsuccessful party.
VAT
Since 1 January 2014, lawyers’ services in Belgium have been subject to VAT at the applicable statutory rate of 21%, which is added to the fees and costs mentioned above.
The invoice is issued in the client’s name.
VAT may be recoverable by clients who are entitled to deduct it.
Advance payments
An advance payment is requested before work on your case begins.
It covers the initial work and will be deducted from the final invoice.
Procedural indemnity
If you are successful in court proceedings, Article 1022 of the Belgian Judicial Code allows you to claim a procedural indemnity from the unsuccessful party.
This indemnity will not cover all the costs you incurred in the proceedings and is a fixed amount determined by the Royal Decree of 26 October 2007.
Legal expenses insurance
If you have legal expenses insurance, all or part of your lawyer’s fees and costs may be covered by your insurer.
Where applicable, Pauline Goffioul can assist you with the steps required to activate this cover.
