Terms and conditions

Article 1: Identity of the Lawyer
Stéphane Heusequin, lawyer, with office located at Rietvoornstraat 46 bus 501, 8530 Harelbeke, registered in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE) under number 0681.589.405.

Article 2: Scope of Application
2.1 These terms and conditions apply to all assignments and services provided by Stéphane Heusequin for both consumers and businesses, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
2.2 The parties will describe the client's request and the lawyer's task as accurately as possible in a separate agreement. The lawyer may provide assistance in the form of advice, mediation, negotiations, and support in legal procedures.

Article 3: Performance of the Agreement
3.1 The lawyer's obligation is, in principle, a duty of intent, not a result.
3.2 The lawyer may refuse or terminate the assignment at any time if the client clearly does not cooperate, if legal assistance does not add value, or if a breach of trust occurs.

Article 4: Fees and Costs
4.1 Fees
4.1.1 For individuals: 110 euros per hour (excluding VAT).
4.1.2 For businesses: 130 euros per hour (excluding VAT).
4.2 Costs

4.2.1 Case opening: flat fee of 50 euros.
4.2.2 Travel costs: 0.50 euros per kilometer.
4.2.3 Registered mail: 12 euros per letter.
4.2.4 Court fees and expenses: to be detailed in the statement of costs and fees.
4.3 Fees and costs are subject to the applicable VAT (21%). The fee is calculated based on a transparent and pre-explained method. The client will receive interim reports on costs and fee statements.
4.4 The lawyer may request an advance before or during the case. This advance will be deducted from the first invoice.
4.5 Rates may be unilaterally changed by the lawyer at any time. Increases in rates will not have retroactive effect and will only apply to future work.

Article 5: Invoicing and Payment
5.1 Invoices must be paid within 14 calendar days from the invoice date, unless otherwise agreed in writing.
5.2 In case of non-payment by the invoice due date, the following will be owed by the client:
5.2.1 For consumers: A penalty and interest, in accordance with the provisions of Book XIX of the Economic Law Code.
5.2.2 For businesses: A penalty of 10% of the outstanding balance, with a minimum of 75 euros, and interest in accordance with the provisions of the Law of 02.08.2002 on combating payment arrears in commercial transactions.
5.3 Disputes regarding invoices must be submitted in writing within 14 days of receipt of the invoice.

Article 6: Third-Party Funds
6.1 The lawyer will transfer all amounts received on behalf of the client as soon as possible. If the lawyer cannot immediately transfer an amount, the client will be informed of its receipt and the reason for the delay.
6.2 The lawyer may retain sums from the amounts received on behalf of the client to cover outstanding advances or statements of costs and fees. The client will be notified in writing. This provision does not affect the client's right to dispute the lawyer's fees and demand repayment of the retained amounts.
6.3 The lawyer will immediately transfer any amounts received from the client on behalf of third parties, unless there are outstanding debts with the lawyer, in which case the lawyer may first settle the debt, with prior written notification to the client.

Article 7: Processing of Personal Data
7.1 The lawyer processes personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Personal data is used solely for the provision of legal services and compliance with legal obligations. Clients can exercise their data protection rights via the lawyer's contact details.
7.2 Information and Processing of Personal Data
7.2.1 The lawyer will inform the client promptly about the progress of the case and the execution of the assignment. The client must provide all relevant information and documents as requested by the lawyer. If the client does not provide the expected data or documents, the lawyer cannot begin or continue the assignment.
7.2.2 The lawyer receives and processes the client's personal data in compliance with applicable data protection regulations, particularly the GDPR.
7.2.3 Personal data will only be processed to the extent necessary for legal services and compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The client can always contact the lawyer to exercise their rights regarding personal data, including access, rectification, erasure, restriction of processing, objection to processing, or filing a complaint with the Belgian Data Protection Authority.

Article 8: Liability
8.1 The lawyer is insured for professional liability up to a limit of 2,500,000.00 euros.
8.2 Liability is limited to the amount covered by the professional liability insurance, except in cases of intentional misconduct or gross negligence.
8.3 The lawyer is not liable for indirect damages, such as consequential damage or intangible loss.

Article 9: Use of Third Parties
The lawyer may, under his responsibility, call upon other lawyers, bailiffs, or translators for specific tasks. For engaging other third parties, such as notaries or accountants, prior consultation with the client will take place.

Article 10: Termination of the Agreement
10.1 The client may terminate the agreement at any time in writing. The lawyer will prepare a final bill based on the services rendered.
10.2 The lawyer may terminate the agreement with written notice, considering the client's ability to obtain timely legal assistance elsewhere.

Article 11: Competent Court and Applicable Law
11.1 In case of disputes, only the court of the district of West Flanders, Kortrijk division, is competent.
11.2 Belgian law applies to all relations between the lawyer and the client.