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FAQ / Frequently Asked Questions

For the litigant, the workings of the courts and a law firm are often incomprehensible. To achieve good cooperation with the lawyer, it is useful to read the following tips.

 

The old lawyer joke “the lawyer is the man who takes your fortune from the hands of your enemy … and then keeps it for himself” certainly does not apply to the members of Avolink.

The lawyers affiliated to this network aim to resolve conflicts efficiently or – even better – avoid them by providing sound advice. Even if proceedings have already been initiated, they still try to work towards an acceptable settlement.

Or is a lawyer only needed later?


Here lies the fallacy: a lawyer’s advice is mainly worth its money if, on its basis, a dispute or procedure can be avoided. If you wait too long before seeking advice, a case may already be lost (e.g. due to prescription, etc.) or the opportunity to collect evidence in time may be lost …
So seek advice in time and avoid the risks of costly proceedings or the loss of your rights.

Talk to your lawyer about the legal issues. Ask your lawyer if a case is fetchable or what you specifically expect. From the outset, decide together with your lawyer what can be done and at what cost.

What can you expect from your lawyer?

  • An individual and confidential conversation about your problem;
  • an analysis of your situation and the correct assessment of your chances of success
  • designing a settlement agreement and conducting negotiations with a view to an amicable settlement
  • drafting contracts,
  • the preparation of legal acts in proceedings
  • execution of judgments through the prosecution service or a bailiff;
  • in international disputes, we can also conduct proceedings abroad over connected networks;
  • the translation of legal texts (NL – FR – D)
Even if the lawyer concludes that proceedings are likely to be successful, it should not necessarily come to court. It is often preferable – also to save costs – to seek an amicable settlement with the other party. It is often the case that you will meet the other party again and then it is purely human better to rebuild a good relationship among yourselves.

Of course, there are also situations where proceedings cannot be avoided. In this case, you will discuss with the lawyer the best way to achieve the best result. An important aspect here is the cost of this choice and transparent agreements should be made about this.

There should be no fear of going to the lawyer. An estimate of the probable costs and fees will already be given at the first interview. If an estimate is difficult to make, at least clear information will be given on how to calculate the costs and fees (hourly rate, percentage of financial commitment of a procedure, costs, etc.), information that can often be found on the website of the lawyer in question.

If you prepare the conversation with your lawyer well, it will certainly be possible to get good advice quickly.

The lawyer and his staff are bound by professional secrecy. You can therefore speak freely with your lawyer, even if it might be unpleasant for you to talk about some aspect of your case. Your lawyer is not your judge and will certainly not “judge” you. Your lawyer is your adviser and should be knowledgeable about all aspects of your case in order to defend you effectively.
It makes sense to state your specific problem and your expectations from the outset. Sometimes it is useful to record the necessary information in writing to ensure that no information is “lost”.

Do not forget to bring all documents (letters, agreements, photos, etc.).
Beforehand, it is also necessary to check with your insurance broker whether the insurance company can intervene in the costs of legal assistance.
If you receive letters from bailiffs, courts, administrative bodies or lawyers, it is best to transfer these documents to your lawyer immediately, especially if you have problems with the language of documents.

From the time of service or dispatch of judgments or administrative decisions, the time limits for seeking legal remedies (opposition or appeal) run. It is in your interest not to contact your lawyer on the last day. Once a deadline has passed, in principle there is no possibility of changing your legal situation, even if it is really the case that you are “right” …