If you are facing a legal proceeding, by its very nature it brings concerns. The last thing you want are unexpected high costs. We understand this and strive to provide fair, transparent pricing, where you know in advance where you stand.
Clarity and transparency
We value openness and clarity in our fee structure. This way, you will never face any nasty financial surprises:
- We make clear agreements about the work to be performed and the intended results.
- You will receive an invoice monthly, or more often if desired.
- An initial intake interview is always free and without obligation.
How are our rates determined?
Our standard starting point is an hourly rate. However, in situations where you qualify for subsidized legal aid, you only pay a co-payment. For specific cases, such as a second opinion or first name change, we can agree on a fixed price. Do you have questions or want more information about our fee structure? Please feel free to contact us.
During the intake interview, we will discuss the nature and complexity of your situation and determine the corresponding fee. There are four possible rate structures:
- Hourly rate
- Fixed price
- Funded legal aid (addition)
- Reimbursement by legal expenses insurance
Hourly rate
We will discuss together the hourly rate for your specific case. This fee varies depending on the nature and complexity of the case.
Fixed price
We negotiate fixed price agreements for specific matters such as first name changes, alimony calculations and employment law contract reviews. That way you know immediately where you stand in terms of cost. For cases that are too complex to use a flat rate, we clearly indicate this. The disadvantage of a fixed price is that it sometimes does not provide the flexibility to cover unforeseen developments or additional work in the case, so any additional costs can still be charged later.
If you are wondering if a fixed price arrangement is possible for your case, please feel free to contact us to discuss your options.
Funded legal aid (addition)
We take on only a limited number of cases annually under funded legal aid, specifically for selected cases such as when obtaining x status. If you qualify, you will owe only a co-payment, which is determined based on your income. We can quickly inform you of the amount of this fee thanks to our “High Trust” relationship with the Legal Aid Board.
Reimbursement by legal expenses insurance
With legal expenses insurance, you can use your free choice of lawyer in all legal proceedings. This means that we can take over your case and the insurer will reimburse the costs.
How much does a lawyer cost?
The cost of a lawyer can vary and depends on several factors. Here are some considerations that may affect costs:
- Hourly rate or flat fee: Many lawyers charge an hourly rate, which can vary based on their experience, specialization and the complexity of the case. On the other hand, some offer flat rates for certain services, giving you upfront certainty about the cost. However, the disadvantage of a fixed price is that it sometimes does not provide the flexibility to cover unforeseen developments or additional work in the case, so any additional costs can still be charged later.
- Experience: Practice shows that experienced lawyers, although they may charge a higher hourly rate, can work more efficiently and provide high quality work. This can result in better outcomes and can be cost-saving in the long run.
- Complexity of the case: Complicated cases often require more time and specific expertise, which can increase costs.
- Funded Legal Aid: Depending on your financial situation, you may be eligible for subsidized legal aid, where the government covers all or part of the costs.
- Other costs: In addition to the hourly rate or flat fee, there may be other costs such as court fees, bailiff fees and any other disbursements.
- Legal Aid Insurance: If you have legal aid insurance, it may cover the cost of legal assistance. Consult your policy terms or contact your insurer for more information.
To get a clear idea of the expected costs, it is advisable to discuss your situation and ask for an estimate of the costs during an initial, often non-binding, meeting with a lawyer.
Clarity from the beginning
At Simmelink Lawyers, we understand how important it is to be clear about costs in advance. During the intake interview, we strive to give you the most accurate overview of the expected costs for your specific case. In doing so, we consider all possible scenarios and advise you on the most cost-effective approach. This is not only to save costs, but also to ensure that you get the best possible results. Our transparency and honesty from the very first conversation are just some of the reasons why clients trust us time and again with their legal matters. Your trust and satisfaction are of utmost importance to us.
