How much does it cost?

Fees

There is no fixed fee schedule in Belgium. Each lawyer sets their fees freely, subject to reasonable moderation, which may be reviewed by the Bar Association. Before any work is undertaken, ask your lawyer about the method they use to calculate fees and expenses. For further details, see our FAQ on fees.

Legal aid – Promoting access to justice

“Everyone is entitled to a fair and public hearing within a reasonable time by an independent and impartial tribunal established by law.” (Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights).

First line legal aid: Anyone can receive an initial free legal consultation with a lawyer accredited by the Brussels Bar Association.

Second line legal aid: Certain individuals who meet specific criteria may receive full legal assistance by a lawyer free of charge to manage their case entirely. These volunteer lawyers provide the same services as in paid consultations: legal advice, support, representation in court or mediation, filing appeals, etc.

First line legal aid is coordinated by the Legal Aid Commission, while second line legal aid is organised by the Legal Aid Bureau, which falls under the French-language Bar Association of the Brussels Bar.

For more information, go to the dedicated website.

Website of the Legal Aid Bureau

Legal protection insurance

In certain cases, legal consultation costs may be covered by your legal protection insurance (also known as legal defence insurance). This coverage is often included in civil liability or motor insurance policies, and can also be taken out separately.

Apprise your lawyer of your insurance contracts and coverage. The law guarantees your right to choose your lawyer freely when making use of their legal protection insurance.

There are many legal insurance plans that cover all risks of disputes. Contact your insurance broker or provider for more information.

A lawyer for your business – Subsidies

Entrepreneurs facing legal challenges have several resources at their disposal to consult a qualified lawyer. As a first step, to find a lawyer specialising in a particular area, consult the lawyer directory and select the relevant field of expertise.

FAQ on fees

A lawyer’s fees are the remuneration for the services rendered and work carried out on your behalf.
This work may include in particular
- Intellectual services such as drafting contracts, legal opinions, and procedural documents;
- Correspondence;
- Meetings;
- Consultations and interviews;
- Representation before courts, tribunals, and other authorities.
Your lawyer also devotes significant time to tasks that are not visible, such as reviewing your file, legal research, and administrative work related to case management.
In addition to their fees, your lawyer may request reimbursement of expenses incurred for your case, such as costs for correspondence, photocopies, telephone calls, travel, etc.
The lawyer will also ask you to advance or reimburse disbursements, i.e. amounts paid to third parties for the purposes of your case, such as bailiff fees, court registry costs, or expert reports.
A lawyer’s fees are often offset by the savings his or her intervention enables you to make.
Due to the inherent uncertainties of legal proceedings, it would be unrealistic to expect your lawyer to determine the precise total cost of fees and expenses from the outset.
Nevertheless, your lawyer will endeavour, as far as possible, to provide at least a rough estimate. He or she will also regularly request interim payments or issue interim statements of account in order to avoid the accumulation of large sums that may later be difficult to settle.
If you believe that the fees and expenses charged are excessive, or if you do not understand a particular item on the invoice, do not hesitate to raise it directly with your lawyer.
Open dialogue often resolves misunderstandings and difficulties.
If the problem persists, you may avail yourself of the free conciliation procedure organised by the Bar Association. This amicable procedure results in agreement in 75% of cases and is entirely free of charge.

View all FAQs