First consultation: free of charge
After the first consultation: hourly rate
Case opening: flat fee of 50 euros
Travel: 0.50 euros/km
Registered mail: 12 euros
In most cases, it is unfortunately not possible to agree on a 'fixed fee' in advance. It is simply impossible to predict how much work will be required for a case. A lawyer can make an estimate, but does not have a crystal ball.
For instance, in advance, you don't know how the 'opposing party' will respond, what arguments or evidence will be presented, how a judge will rule, or whether a party will appeal, and so on.
For this reason, work is generally billed according to an hourly rate (110 euros per hour for individuals, 130 euros per hour for professionals).
For individuals, it is also possible to purchase a bundle of hours in advance. In this case, you pay the invoice upfront instead of afterward. Not only is this more economical, but it also helps you avoid surprises. If the number of hours is almost used up, Stéphane Heusequin will notify you in advance. Similar to prepaid phone credit, you can then decide whether or not to purchase additional hours. Bundles of 5 hours (10% discount) and 10 hours (15% discount) are available via the webshop (currently only available in Dutch).
If you decide to proceed with a case after the first consultation, an advance ('provision') will always be requested to cover the initial work and costs (unless you immediately purchase a 'bundle' of hours).
Typically, this advance will be around 500 euros (including VAT). Depending on the nature of the case, a lower or higher advance may be required. Clear agreements will always be made regarding this during the first consultation.
The advance must always be paid in full at once.
The advance will then be deducted from the first invoice you receive.
As soon as multiple hours of work have been completed, you will always receive an interim invoice. This will include a detailed description of the services and costs incurred up to that point.
By working with interim invoices rather than one 'final invoice' at the end, you avoid having to pay a large sum all at once.
If, after the first (free) consultation, you decide to open a case with Stéphane Heusequin, a one-time administrative fee of 50 euros will be charged for the setup and initial administrative work of the case file.
The only additional costs beyond the legal fees are possible travel expenses and registered mail costs.
If certain (procedural) expenses are advanced by Stéphane Heusequin to third parties, such as bailiff fees, court registry fees, or searches in the national register, the client will, of course, be required to reimburse these costs.
You only pay for the actual costs incurred by Stéphane Heusequin.
You do not pay extra costs for things like the number of letters or emails sent, internet or paper usage, administration, etc.
Many law offices still charge these additional 'costs,' although this practice is outdated. These extra costs are sometimes higher than the hourly rate itself and often lead to unpleasant surprises for the client.
The fixed office costs of Stéphane Heusequin are already factored in and included in the hourly rate.
Stéphane Heusequin keeps his office costs deliberately low by operating his office from his home in Harelbeke. This allows him to keep his hourly rate significantly lower than larger offices in cities like Kortrijk or Brugge.
Paying less does not mean less quality, but rather fewer costs passed on to the client.
Not everyone has the financial means to pay for a lawyer.
Such individuals can be assisted 'pro bono' (free of charge) by Stéphane Heusequin, if they meet the criteria. You can read more about this on this page.
CBE / VAT: 0681.589.405
Fees account: BE08 6301 5166 4613
Third-party account: BE28 6301 5509 9120
